Sir, When will we ever learn and when will someone be brave enough to stand up to the auditors and accountants and say enough is enough. In a small rural community the school is a central focus for the community. Those of us who have children will know how the schooling of our children throws people together and offers a common aim. When a school is closed, it rips the heart out of the community and not only the school building is left empty. Take a look over the fells at the Duddon Valley. Ulpha School was no longer viable so was closed. Since then, families have left the valley and those that still live there, travel miles to their new, larger, more accountant-friendly school. Those people in the valley who bravely organise the valley events, now have to ask what is the point of the sports day, or the fancy dress competition when there are no longer any children to enjoy them? The social fabric of the community has been destroyed.

Could the buildings still be used by the community? Without the children the building has no focus and is too expensive and complicated to be run by volunteers. The "impoverished" church will simply sell the buildings to those with the money to afford it.

The Lowick community was badly hit by foot-and-mouth. Now that the community is finally finding its feet again, the county council knocks it back down. Is this the rural regeneration and sustainable development we keep hearing about? The National Park Authority is making a bid for World Heritage Site status. This bid will be made on the basis of the cultural heritage of the area. Why is the county council sabotaging this bid by destroying the very communities that still make up this heritage? Families will leave and wealthy second homeowners will move in.

This madness must stop. Is there anybody in authority brave enough to prevent the destruction of our communities and heritage? Lowick School, its staff and pupils are uniquely special. The county council education department knows the cost of everything but the worth of nothing.

C. Berry

Broughton-in-Furness

February 7, 2003 15:30