I NOTE that Coun Dave Smith (Letters, June 17) feels that some Darwen children and parents have been at an advantage by receiving bus passes to which they were not entitled.

I also note that the government subscribes to the maxim "Education, education, education" and are keen to promote parental choice.

It is with that in mind that I suggest that, if you are a Darwen parent who chooses to send your child to the nearest Catholic secondary school, you have to pay bus fares.

Such a school no longer exists in the town. That does not put those people at an advantage in my opinion.

L RACKLEY, Earnsdale Road, Darwen.