My views on school still valid

In relation to the comments aimed at me by Will Bowen junior and his article "Criticism of school unfair", I would like the opportunity to reply and to clarify that my story was based on facts and not rumours.

Firstly, my intentions are to stand up for the community where I live and of which I'm very proud. I give many hours' free time to create and run youth activity schemes for the people of the community.

Secondly, regarding the catchment area, I suggest you read the "Summer Term 2007 Leading to the Future" local education authority magazine, where on pages 6 and 7 it states Woodside is not in the Madeley Academy catchment area under the new admissions policy from 2008.

Thirdly, in relation to the community not wanting it, I suggest Mr Bowen asks what happened at the recent Woodside forum in front of Telford & Wrekin officials and Mr Maher, where a vote of no confidence was put forward in relation to the way the school has been pushed through and also the concerns expressed on the Shropshire Star website and raised by local councillors.

If he had read the facts of my letter, he would have realised it's not the school I and many others, who he describes as selfish, object to, but where it is to be built and how it has been conducted with no Woodside consultation.

My final point is that after reading and realising that my claims are correct, the mature thing he would have been taught at school would be to be grow up and apologise for getting it very wrong on a very public stage.

Steve Butler, Woodside