AS chairman of governors at Brandlesholme CP school in Bury I would like to add some comments to the article in the Bury Times (March 12) regarding the closure.

Prior to my retirement, I was an adviser in another local authority and, during that time, I met and was involved with many school staffs. However I have met few headteachers with as much skill and commitment as the present head at Brandlesholme, Mr Ian Young.

When Mr Young was appointed 14 months ago - at a time when the governors were assured that there were no plans for closure - he joined a hard-working and dedicated team of teachers and NNEBs and has led them from strength to strength. Add to them an enthusiastic support staff comprising caretaker, kitchen and office staff, and Brandlesholme school has a team worthy of moulding children's lives.

The implication of the fall in pupil numbers suggests that the children are rattling around in an empty space. In reality, this is far from the truth.

Every available space is used for the children's benefit. One classroom has been converted into our excellent nursery and another is now a well-stocked library, used daily by all the children. As well as these facilities there is an IT room, a source of interest for visitors including our Member of Parliament.

Brandlesholme, then, is a very bright light in Bury LEA giving 134 children the education they deserve. But perhaps the powers-that-be wear dark glasses.

J. EVANS,

chairman of governors,

Brandlesholme CP School.

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