IT is almost a year to the day that parents first met at Bromsgrove's Rigby Hall School to consider the proposals for delivering special needs education in the north-east of the county, as proposed by Worcestershire County Council.

The Rigby Hall Parents' Action Group was formed to challenge the key findings of those proposals, and the conclusion that Rigby Hall is 'surplus to requirements.'

Despite a carefully considered set of 'alternative proposals,' a complete rubbishing of the data used by County Hall in their projections (and therefore affordability), and the support of a 6,000-plus signature petition, what does this New Year bring to the hopes and aspirations of the parents and children from Bromsgrove, Droitwich and surrounding areas that attend Rigby School?

This is the time of year for resolutions. For local county councillors, who, no doubt, will be looking forward to the May elections.

Consider your personal manifesto around schools and Rigby Hall in particular carefully. Consider the impact that changes to special needs education will have on your constituents and support popular opinion and keep the school open and viable.

For the county council: Get your facts right and engage with parents and children affected by your planning.

It is regrettable that I have used the new Freedom of Information Act already to get background material of your original plans. You now have 20 days to respond!

For parents and governors in mainstream schools, please support your local special needs school and consider the impact on your school if these changes were to be implemented.

Rigby Hall Parents (with their voting rights) will be monitoring the situation carefully.

Gary Crellin

Chairman - Rigby Hall (Parents)

Action Group

Rigby Hall School

Bromsgrove