NOT so long ago, City of York Council decided to close a primary school in Haxby because there were not enough children for all three schools.

In the spirit of true consultation, residents were offered various options, including closing one of two primary schools.

This resulted in much heartache for parents trying to save their school.

At an open meeting, attended by councillors and education officials, it was stated clearly that the site of whichever school was closed would remain a community resource and would not be sold for housing.

The story moves on a few moons. Yes, houses are to be built on the site of Oaken Grove school. No, residents have not been consulted. The council thinks it's a good compromise because the site won't be covered by housing.

Why won't the council consult residents as before? Perhaps because it knows what the residents would vote for - with no pay day from land sold for housing.

Councillors have some explaining to do. A promise has been broken in an underhand way.

Why?

Ann Reed

Appleby Glade,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, January 31, 2002