From Ian Lewis: AS a Governor of two schools in Moreton, I am horrified to learn that Wirral Borough Council is proposing to restrict parental choice of education.

The proposal that parents who are unemployed should be prevented from choosing a school more than two miles away is outrageous. The Council suggests that if they do make that choice, then they must pay for the cost of transport themselves. This is a tax on education and, worse, it is a tax on parents who can least afford it but who still want the best start for their children.

Parents must judge a school by its merits and not by the cost of that education. Equally, children should not be penalised because of the employment status of their parents. Youngsters in towns where there are no secondary schools, such as Moreton, will be hardest hit.

Is this what Tony Blair means when he talks about 'education, education, education'? The PM should talk to Wirral Education Supremo Cllr Mick Groves. Perhaps it's not surprising that a Councillor who tried to stop parents choosing a grammar school should now try to end parental choice altogether.

Victoria Parade, New Brighton

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