Parents right on

The school has served the special needs of local children for more than 20 years but is now facing wind-down as the education authority tries to encourage more and more such children into mainstream education.

Close on 1,000 signatures have already been collected to keep the much-loved school open, and local county councillor Michael Chartier will present the petition to members at a December meeting of the council.

Said Kevin Richardson, one of the petition organisers: 'This is a very good school which should stay open and become a flagship for special needs.

'My son, who is dyslexic, loves it there and even works there after school.

'We haven't been given any good reason for its closure. It is a wonderful school.'

Mr Richardson is hoping concerned parents will write to Cllr Chartier in support of the school staying open via Pelham House, St Andrew's Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UN.