The decision (The Argus, January 30) by members of the "cabinet" of East Sussex County Council to close St Anne's special needs school, Lewes, is diabolical.

A committed group of parents is desperately trying to stop this closure.

Allegedly, it is because the numbers of children applying to attend the school are falling. However, this is just not so.

What is the case is the local authority has blocked parents who have inquired about sending their special needs kids to the school either by telling them bluntly the junior part of the school is to be closed by 2005 and the senior part by 2007 or the education authority has just not suggested the school to them.

I am sure parents would be impressed by the skill and care the teaching staff provide within the school but I am devastated to think my child is going to be made to go back into mainstream education.

Her needs are not behavioural - she has both physical and learning problems - but I believe if she did have to go into mainstream school she would not thrive.

Through special education at a special needs school, she has blossomed at every level.

When my other daughter (who is in mainstream education) finds herself having to share her classroom with at least two or three children displaying their special needs, her education and theirs will suffer.

As parents, we should have the right to have a say whether we think our children can cope with mainstream school or not. We are going to be denied that right.

If you agree with me, contact your MP, councillor or the East Sussex Education Authority and add your support to our opposition to the proposed closure of St Anne's school.

-Marcelle Quinn, Victoria Avenue, Peacehaven