It was with sadness I heard the news Halesowen C of E Primary School was to be closed.

For the past four years, staff, parents and children have been promised a merger with Hasbury C of E School. This wasn't their choice but they decided to go along with the idea, hearing with great excitement about plans for a state-of-the-art new building capable of housing two C of E Schools. This then changed to Halesowen merging with Hasbury up at the Hasbury site. Again, not ideal, but better than nothing! They felt that Halesowen and Hasbury were closely linked, the Christian ethos of the school, the welcoming atmosphere, the small but caring attitude of staff and children alike.

Then almost at the eleventh hour, the council said there was no money for this and Halesowen C of E was to close. No time to prepare the children for this difficult event, no time to voice their opinions to a wider audience and rally support. The staff and children have worked hard to let people know their view. The marches through Halesowen were organised to perfection and public meetings have been held.

They have had numerous calls to the school, from people wanting to add their support. This is what makes this school so special - a definite "family" atmosphere, something sadly lacking in today's society. Where will these children receive this guidance from if this school is closed? I dread to think of the re percussions of this proposed closure - who knows what effect it will have on the children long term.

I would urge you to rethink this decision - I quote from a letter in the local paper - "The Councillors know the price of everything and the value of nothing". Never a truer word written.

A sad and angry parent, Name and address supplied