In last week's front page story your reporter claimed that the new primary school in Rowde had received "universal approval from pupils, parents, staff and villagers".

This is probably true in the case of the first three groups, but most certainly not for the residents living nearby.

The impression given was that the school was funded by Persimmon. The reality is that the old school site was transferred to Persimmon for housing development as part of the deal.

As a result, the last piece of open space in the village centre will be lost, with the accompanying increase in traffic, and more vehicles parked on the Springfield Road estate's narrow streets. Already there are drivers who stop to drop off and collect their children from school against the advice of the headmaster.

As with other building projects in the pipeline, once again the wishes of local people have been ignored in favour of financial return, and a we know best' attitude by those in power. The comments by your reporter do not tell the whole story.

F. Daniells.

Rowde