WITH reference to Cllr McKeon’s letter of April 2, I think he is confused as to what his role as executive member for schools is.

He should be there to represent the interests of pupils and parents, not to be the spokesman for the NUT even if his political sympathies may well lie with the strikers.

Last week’s action by the NUT alone — other teaching unions did not participate — neither enjoyed wide public support or, to judge by the turn out, the support of NUT members.

This latest round of action resulted from a ballot that took place two years ago on a turnout of 40pc and without any clear objectives.

Of course, teachers are perfectly entitled to strike if they wish to do so. It is there legal right, but the NUT’s series of rolling stoppages without a clear agenda with little public support undermines public confidence in the wider profession.

This in itself is a tragedy for, as Cllr McKeon points out, many teachers are incredibly dedicated professionals doing a good job and who deserve the full support of the public in the difficult work they carry out. Cllr Martyn Cox Conservative spokesman for schools Bolton Council