I WAS delighted to read in the Star that St Mary's, Birchley had done so well in the recent league tables.

This is due to dedicated staff and the interest of parents in their children's future. Councillor Doyle was quick to congratulate the school and point out that this is what St Helens LEA is all about.

Unfortunately, what was not revealed was that in the same post as the good news for our school, we received the bad news that the education authority were cutting our budget by £30,000. While I appreciate that it is according to formula, this seems to be penalising a good school.

The size of the cut means just one thing - personnel. The governors have had no choice but to partially dismantle the structure which made us so successful.

I appreciate that poorer areas need assistance but not all Billinge residents are affluent and we need help also, not cuts.

I do hope you will publish this letter in the hope that the Local Education Authority will reassess the needs of Birchley St Mary's in order that the staff can keep up the tremendous work they have already started.

Pat Lowe, concerned grandmother, Hollin Hey Close, Billinge.

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