No one would dispute that when Richard Sutton-Smith was appointed headteacher

at Goldstone Primary School he was given an assurance by Brighton and Hove City Council that Knoll and Goldstone schools would be merged to create a new single-site school (The Argus, December 31).

Nor would anyone dispute that the morale of Mr Sutton-Smith, his governing body, staff, parents and pupils took a serious nose-dive when

the council subsequently announced a bid to the Government for funding to fulfil the financial implications of the new school had not been successful so there was insufficient money to proceed as intended.

However, David Hawker is just an employee of the council and, as such, carries out the instructions of the Labour administration. This is an administration that seeks at all times to work hand in hand with a Labour government obsessed with plans, bidding, target-setting, bureaucracy and ever-increasing red tape.

Do not be misled for a minute - responsibility for the chaotic, damaging situation such as that at Goldstone Primary School cannot be laid solely at the door of any council officer, even if that officer happens to be a director. Officers have a duty to advise but, ultimately, can only carry

out the policies of a political administration always keen to impress this overbearing New Labour government.

-Coun Ann Norman, Westdene ward, Brighton and Hove City Council