WHAT a dismal start to 2006. The deadline for public opinion on the proposed closure/amalgamation of secondary schools in Bury came and went on January 6.

Call me a cynic, but I believe the choices will already have been made despite any flood of protest. As an ex-Hope Park pupil, no amount of protest prevented that merger with Heys Road and in my opinion, the school never regained its previous excellent reputation.

We have two children at Parrenthorn High School in Prestwich. Across the board, help and support is offered by both teaching and non-teaching members of staff.

Out-of-hours activities - from additional teaching sessions to sporting activities/events, as well as a fantastic drama production last year - the Peer Support system and Room 21, to mention but a few, are excellent and demonstrate a commitment from the staff members and the pupils, who are encouraged to participate.

At a meeting prior to our second child attending Parrenthorn in September 2004, the head teacher told us that he knew every child in the school by name - and he does.

The team spirit from all members of staff shines through. What a shame this is all in the balance.

I know I am biased but I don't think we could have made a better choice for our children. Will the powers-that-be listen? Thinking of the demise of Hope Park and Heys Road all those years ago, the M62 relief road fiasco, and now this 'predicament', I won't hold my breath!

MRS S SOAR

Whitefield