SO George Lord claims that the three-tier system of education is tired and need regenerating (Letters, December 9).

This will be of surprise to not only all the successful schools in Wyre Forest, but to the rest of the county still on the three-tier system.

There is no need to change a very successful system, when according to the LEA, there is no difference in standards between two-tier and three-tier.

Falling rolls would mean that certain schools would close under any system.

However, this would have been achieved at a more measured pace than under the "big bang" closures we are now faced with.

At no time have the full county council voted on its preference for the two-tier system. The cabinet used its constitutional right to force this unwanted result on Wyre Forest children.

Indeed, when council did vote on whether or not a poll should take place in the district on the matter, it voted in favour by 27 votes to 25. This democratic decision was overturned by the Tory leader and portfolio holders, thus flying in the face of the democratic wishes of council.

The £160 million costs for this exercise has yet to be found. The costs in disruption will be enormous over the next five to seven years.

The sting in the tail for those schools that do survive is that they face a further review of catchment areas, which will lead to further possible closures.

Independent Health Concern councillors, far from doing a disservice to Wyre Forest, have, in fact, fought to save an education system that has served our children well and would continue to do so.

JOHN GORDON

Health Concern County Group Leader

Manor Road

Stourport