'SCHOOLS plan is worthy but expensive' (LET, April 12) seemed written by someone in a 1960s, perhaps 70s, time warp -- with a view of schools and education services when they were a child perhaps?

Schools are hubs of their communities. They are focal points for learning, community action and social interaction. Our new education authority promotes this in partnership with our schools, their heads, teachers and other staff, governors, parents, pupils and other learners.

Many of our schools have 'before school' activities -- breakfast clubs, dance groups and other activities.

Many in partnership with our further education colleges, promote courses and other activities for parents and others. The parents as educators scheme, lauded nationally, brings parents and teachers together, for the good of all, especially the children.

Many of our parents are in the classroom helping with learning alongside pupils and teachers. Our schools are busy places with after school clubs, sports, cultural and other activities. We have 'homework' clubs in the community -- in the evenings and at weekends, attended by hundreds of eager learners.

Our schools host other community activity: parent/teacher events, 'night' schools, badminton clubs, social events, sports clubs, charity 'dos.'

You seem to imply that LEAs schools, the private and voluntary sector are not working together and hard.

Our nationally highly regarded education action zone is based upon a partnership of all. Our school friends scheme, busy in schools, is run by the private sector and held in high regard.

Our schools are centres of community activity. For example, raising thousands every year for worthy charities, involved in environmental projects, visiting the old and the sick.

Need I go on? I could. Don't for a minute think that we are complacent about the future. Perhaps you're just missing things.

BILL TAYLOR, Chairman, Education and Training, Blackburn with Darwen Council.