WHAT is it about Bolton Council and the Labour Party that they have to keep concealing information from the public?

I'm a governor of Gaskell Street School; the council has asked if we want to go to a two form entry school which they want us to do. Nothing wrong with that except that it's a secret why.

Teachers at the school must not be told.

Parents are not to be told even though it affects their children but the Labour Council think they do not have a right to know why.

People living around the school are not to be told even though it will affect parking and a one-way traffic system will be installed but we must not tell them because it's a secret.

Other schools in the area must not be told even though it could have a large impact on them.

It will affect anyone who uses Gaskell Street as it will increase traffic flow but again it's a secret.

Plans have already been drawn up by the Council and we are assured that the money is allocated for development of the extra classrooms, well in excess of £1 million but it's very confidential. Why? You have to ask Cliff Morris as he is the only one that seems to know.

What I don't understand is why it is a big secret. These things have to come out in the end. Children will lose space to play because eventually there will be over 100 or more children. There will be less area for them to play but that doesn't matter these days.

I believe that this should be discussed with all schools that it may affect. Is it also correct that in Cotton Street there is a consortium that wants to open a free two form entry school? I am told the Council will not allow this to go ahead but if true but I can't see how the Council can stop it because free schools are funded directly by the Government.

I was told at the last meeting that other schools’ problems do not have anything to do with me, my sole responsibility is to Gaskell. As a committed Christian I do not believe this; I believe that I am my brother's keeper and everyone matters so I cannot accept this. I have never believed that looking after number one is a good way to run a society but this is a 21st-century and nobody gives a dam anymore.

Ian Greenhalgh

Smithills

Bolton