COUNCILLOR Bill Taylor, Chairman of the Education Committee of Blackburn with Darwen Council, in a statement to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on May 17, is quoted as saying three Conservative councillors have been looking into individual cases with regard to school admissions to "try to find fault, but have been unsuccessful."

This statement leaves a lot to be desired. In his arrogance after being a Labour member for so long, has he lost touch with the first duties of every councillor to look into, ferret out and try to reach an amicable decision for the constituents they represent?

Just because Labour dictates from Lancashire County Council and, now, our own unitary authority, Blackburn with Darwen, have decreed the rules for school children's admission, are they set in stone, or does the government of the day, which apparently set education as their flagship policy, matter not to someone with these local Labour views?

The parents of these children, who have guided them from birth until 11 years old, are literally having their parental choice taken away from them. Yes, they have every right to fight for what they believe is the best education standards for their children. To have children of 11 - and they are still children regardless of the modern thinking of making children grow up too soon - go across the town to school when one is on the doorstep is totally unacceptable.

The Conservative councillors who have tried to take on board these issues for their constituents are doing their job as the people's representatives. The problem is, they are finding it very tough with the Labour dictatorial attitude within the Education Department.

When we hear constantly this New Labour government saying "Education, education, education," is it surprising that the parents of the children in Blackburn with Darwen are being chased from hell and back with the worry of where their child is to be educated at a most crucial time in their lives?

Up to the age of 11 years, these children have been guided by their parents and their parents have their children's best interests at heart and are told that parental choice is paramount by the local press and , indeed, by the House of Commons - this issue having been dominant over the last two months.

Councillors MAUREEN McGARVEY, MICHAEL LAW-RIDING and D PEARSON.

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