THE letter from John Richardson (July 25) raises important issues regarding Bushmead School. After the demolition of the original three-storey junior school the then board of governors wrote to the local authority asking that any new development (which wa

THE letter from John Richardson (July 25) raises important issues regarding Bushmead School.

After the demolition of the original three-storey junior school the then board of governors wrote to the local authority asking that any new development (which was presumed at the time to be low-rise housing) be arranged in such a way that the newly-rebuilt school would be clearly visible from the highway with open views creating a pleasing environment for the children.

We now have a large mass of buildings overshadowing the school, which totally ignores the wishes of the parents and governors.

Windows on the school side of the development look down from on high directly at the reception children's play area, the school offices, the kitchen, the main assembly hall, the school toilets and the main school playing fields. These high-rise overpowering buildings could provide a grandstand for any child-watchers wishing to practice their pastime.

We did originally suggest that some of the old school land be used for extra and badly-needed parking and the remainder be used for village community use, including tennis courts, gardens, and possibly allotments. However, the policy of selling off school playing fields took precedence.

This letter is not critical of the builders and developers, who I understand are carrying out their work in a tidy and professional manner and are co-operating well with the school, but the local planning authority must be held wholly responsible for this gross intrusion into the life of the school.

DENNIS TINLEY (past school governor), Wilkinson Close, Eaton Socon