I challenge York's Labour MP Hugh Bayley and the Liberal Democrat-controlled city council.

Recently, Tony Blair has renewed his "education, education, education" pledge and the Liberal Democrat party has launched a commitment to have all children under 11 taught in classes of 20.

Yet in York both of them preside over a situation badly affecting a well-regarded primary school such as Dringhouses, as well as other schools. Thanks to lack of budget for teachers, years one to two, three to four and five to six are taught as mixed years and with class sizes as high as 35.

This places unfair demands on teachers and reduces their ability to address individual children's needs.

Can we trust any of the politicians to deliver their commitments? Which of them will reply to this letter to confirm that funding would be put in place to even see classes in York based on single years and a maximum of 30?

Martin Tilstone,

Wetherby Road,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:38 Tuesday, April 19, 2005