WE would like to thank the Evening News for its excellent coverage of the Special Schools march to County Hall.

We would also like to thank your readers who continue to offer us their support.

The LEA plans to drastically reduce the educational provision for children with Special Educational Needs in Worcestershire.

MPs and county councillors of all political persuasions have backed our cause and called for the proposals to be scrapped.

We were, however, saddened by the Leader of Worcestershire County Council, Dr George Lord's comments, which appeared to be dismissive of our concerns.

We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss these fully with Dr Lord or any of the councillors should they find this helpful.

I am perturbed that Sally Wicksteed, the Chairwoman of Governors, at Manor Park School feels that Thornton House School does not want children with severe learning disabilities to join us.

This is not the case. We are concerned how children with very diverse learning needs can be taught together.

Ms Wicksteed has stated her views that generic schools can appropriately meet the diverse needs of children with Special Needs.

I remain concerned that she has stated that children with moderate learning difficulties will be needed at such schools to "make up the numbers".

As parents of children with Special Educational Needs we want the same as all parents want for their children. We want our children to educated appropriately to enable them to reach their potentials and for us as parents to continue to be able to have the choice of specialist provision should we feel this is right for our children.

CAROL JOHNSON,

Parent Governor,

Member of Thornton House Parents' Action Group.