I READ with interest the "School for Scandal" Insight article (LET, April 20) on the row over school places and was more than a little surprised at the comments of Councillor Howel Jones.

I was present at a Ribble Valley planning meeting held on May 21 last year, where Coun Jones fully supported the building of a housing estate in Salesbury, irrespective of the objections of the local school as it is already greatly oversubscribed.

He showed great enthusiasm for more housing, and now tries to blame the present situation on the Conservative Party.

Chris Holtom, the Conservative councillor, did all he could to help us prevent this estate being built, but was outvoted by the Liberal Democrats. I wonder why Howel Jones changed sides? Could it be that the council elections were imminent?

If anyone should care to know what consideration Ribble Valley planners have for existing residents just come and take a look at this estate in Salesbury. Everybody I have spoken to who has seen it comments: "How on earth did they get permission to build that?"

The answer could possibly be that Ribble Valley owned the land, and would have given permission for anything as long as they made money from it.

I wish all the parents every success with their appeals regarding school placements, but do not hold our much success for them while we have these people running the borough.

R COAR, Ribchester Road, Salesbury, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.