I WAS incensed to read an article in the Gazette & Herald on June 17 about special needs kids facing increased fees and shorter hours at Marlborough Leisure Centre.

Why is it that special needs people, who really enjoy these sessions the most, are always penalised through no fault of their own. It is a time when they can enjoy meeting their friends and in this way giving their parents and carers a break for a few hours.

Shouldn't the fees be halved and why cut the sessions by one hour? A lot of families really struggle to find the money. As Mr Draper said: "It will be difficult for us to find the extra money." He has two sons who are both Down's Syndrome.

I have a sister who is Down's Syndrome so I know how Mr Draper and a lot of other parents and carers will worry about the fees. These special needs children don't ask for a lot in life, so why spoil their pleasure?

J CHANDLER

Burbage