AS a parent of a pupil of Crosshill School, I felt I had to respond to the article about the campaign to save it from closure.

We have been aware of this situation for some time and I have to admit I was horrified to hear of the proposals.

It may seem like a good idea to someone in a suit sat behind a desk who has no idea what goes on in the real world, or of the consequences this closure would cause.

Firstly, there is absolutely no chance the children who attend this excellent school would receive the same level or quality of education they receive now, enabling them to reach excellent standards above and beyond anyone's expectations, many of who went on to higher education.

Secondly, I have never come across such a dedicated group of staff as those at Crosshill because they want to help these children, and not because they just happen to end up in their class.

Thirdly, it's not just about the levels of education they receive. It is just as important for them to be given the chance to gain life skills and to be given the wonderful opportunities which Crosshill offers them such as residential, out-of-school clubs, holiday clubs and many more.

These all would, in my opinion, be impossible to offer in a mainstream school because they just couldn't provide the excellent staff or provisions which are on offer at Crosshill.

I realised that every parent has a different view of special education and it is an extremely hard decision to make. It doesn't help that the education department put pressure on parents to send their child to mainstream schools.

For us, choosing Crosshill has proven to be an excellent decision and our son has progressed excellently the last three years and I know he will continue to do so.

I have got to add I feel so sad for all the children and their families that may not get the chance to experience life at Crosshill if this closure goes ahead.

SUE COUSINS, East Lancs Road, Blackburn.