I HAVE no particular political leanings but when my son, who has special needs, was threatened with having his funding withdrawn by the LEA whilst undergoing the statementing process, thus meaning his exclusion from school, I wrote to nine various MPs and members of the House of Lords asking for their help.

Of the nine original letters the first reply (three days later) I had, was from Julie Kirkbride's office saying that this was outrageous and she would write to the LEA expressing her concerns. This she did and copied me in on all correspondence throughout to a satisfactory conclusion.

The only other reply I had was from Baroness Warnock, who was the driving force behind the decision to axe special schools and integrate into mainstream (with the appropriate support). Of note is that I did not get a reply from any of the other seven MPs that I wrote to.

On reading the the local press I am appalled at the 'Julie bashing' that is becoming apparent. I have had no calls from her office for publicity photos, I haven't seen my case paraded in the papers, and have not been asked for any payback.

For people to say that she is constantly seeking publicity is folly.

If she opens the local fete then of course she is going to be in the local papers and I for one am happy that she is so widely available to the community.

As I said, I am of no particular political persuasion but have to say that the fact that I wrote and she so speedily and selflessly acted has certainly swayed my thinking.

Carole Littlehales

Catshill