CONCERNING the possibility of Wensley Fold C Of E Primary School becoming another academy within Blackburn with Darwen, the statements from three councillors were non-committal, but NUT official Simon jones had no reservations: “The proposal is bad news for the whole community.

"Academies undermine comprehensive education and opens the door to privatisation of schools.”

How true! Blackburn with Darwen is fast becoming the privatisation capital of the North West.

From education to social services, many important services are being privatised.

The cause and consequence is immense. The companies that deliver these services come from outside the borough – Capita’s HQ is in Westminster.

They absorb resources from the local economy and affect jobs and terms and conditions of employees.

Privatisation is good for the council and councillors as their responsibility for the privatised services is kept at arm’s length.

Privatisation is a word politicians never mention. That will be the day when an election leaflet drops through a constituent’s letter box stating, “Vote for me and I will privatise your services”.

Don Rishton, Blackburn.