WE are writing to protest at the proposed closure of Affetside Primary School, which our daughter attends.

We feel this decision is illogical educationally, far from economical, detrimental to the community, and sense that the decision was made on the single factor of cost per pupil.

We simply want the very best education for our child and genuinely believe that Affetside provides this.

In January 1999, we took steps to find an appropriate school for our daughter and after visiting our choice of three schools, we were in no doubt that Affetside was where we wanted and still want our daughter to be educated. She started in September 1999 and has made excellent progress in her educational, social and moral development.

The only criteria Bury LEA have for closure is one of economics. The cost of individual pupils may seem steep but the amount spent on Affetside is a mere drop in the ocean compared to the damage that closure would have on the children, the social fabric and the well-being of the community. Closure would not necessarily bring about savings and if it did would those savings be used for our children's education?

If Affetside was to close, where would our child be educated? We can not accept the alternative schools put forward by the LEA as they do not match the standards provided by Affetside.

To us parents, who only want the best for our child in her formative years, the evidence is quite conclusive. Closing Affetside for financial reasons is simply not justified.

CRAIG and

MICHELLE FELTON,

Harvey Street, Bury.