HOW fitting that during "Local Democracy Week" the county council has seen sense and at last vote to give the people of Wyre Forest a say in the future of education in the area.

On returning from the council meeting on Thursday, where this was debated, I was astounded to read in last week's Shuttle/Times and News that the leader of the council, Dr George Lord, had said, prior to the debate, that it would make no difference.

How arrogant! Perhaps nobody told him it was democracy week or perhaps he does not believe in democracy.

Presumably, by saying this, he is saying that the views of county councillors and their constituents do not matter. To me this sounds more like a dictatorship than democracy.

If Dr Lord wants to retain any credibility and really wants to do the best for the people of Wyre Forest, he should let the referendum go ahead and let the people have their say.

After all, what has he got to lose? Perhaps he is afraid that the people want to retain the three-tier system that continues to serve them so well and that he won't get his own way.

There, I believe, lies the truth.

I call on the people of Wyre Forest to stand up for your democratic rights. Do not be dictated to and demand that you have your say.

GORDON WAINWRIGHT

Headteacher

Sion Hill Middle School

Kidderminster