COUNCIL leader John Williams' dismissive response to Saturday's demonstration against the closure of Hurworth school only goes to illustrate the arrogant and cynical approach of Darlington Borough Council ( Echo, Oct 17).

By calling this legitimate campaign event staged by concerned parents and residents a "stunt" is insulting and unbecoming of someone in his position.

Perhaps if he bothered to discuss this topic with the people of Darlington, he would discover that what "amazes" us all is that they should want to close one of the town's few good schools, rather than concentrating their efforts on problems afflicting many other schools across the town.

He and council chief executive Ada Burns have repeatedly stated that they are listening, yet their actions prove the opposite.

The introduction of a City Academy into the scheme has only increased the level of opposition, with campaigners gaining support from across the political spectrum and educational establishment.

Mr Williams would be better occupied engaging in serious debate on the options for education in Darlington rather than insulting those very people he was elected to represent. - Ian Holme, Hurworth.

HOW can John Williams claim that the majority of residents were behind the plans for an education academy (Echo, Oct 17) when the residents of Darlington only learned of the City Academy plans on October 4?

When did the council "listen" to its residents? Where, like Sunderland City Council, were the polls asking residents if they wanted a privatised school in the borough?

Where has the consultation been with its residents regarding any of the council's ever-changing plans for the closure of Eastbourne and Hurworth schools? - Anne Owens, Hurworth Place.

EASTBOURNE School came out of special measures a year ago whilst under a Federation headed by Eamonn Farrar, who happily took the credit.

In March, Mr Farrar praised the Eastbourne headteacher, Karen Pemberton, and declared the Federation was to end because of its success.

Weeks later, Ms Pemberton was suspended due to conditions at Eastbourne which (while paid a lot of council taxpayers' money) as Federation Head, Mr Farrar hadn't noticed.

Then, Mr Farrar and the council's director of children's services Margaret Asquith announced Eastbourne's closure and a new Hurworth School be built in Eastbourne's catchment area - and now we're told it's to be a City Academy.

So many things don't make any sense. We as taxpayers and parents have a right to know how money is spent and a say in whether education in the town is privatised. - G Alexander, Darlington.

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