WITH regard to Sharon Keene's letter (April 14) surely the only issue involved here is that of distance. No young child should have to attend a primary school 45 minutes walking distance away.

Mrs Draper does not drive and it is ludicrous to suggest she should have to walk there and back twice a day with two small children when her local primary school is minutes away.

I am a parent myself with a baby and toddler and I do not drive and I know I would be furious if I had to walk this far to a primary school.

The issue would be the same whether my son had to attend Haydon Wick or Greenmeadow School, both of which have excellent records, but are too far from my house.

It would be difficult for Mrs Draper's son to visit friends after school.

To bring the issue of prejudice into what is primarily a debate regarding what is a reasonable travelling distance between home and primary school is fuelling an unnecessary feud between the people of Penhill and Abbey Meads.

The majority of people living in both Penhill and Abbey Meads are good, kind, law abiding people. I am sure both Penhill and Abbey Meads residents have greater concerns in their lives than that of silly arguments regarding trivial issues.

Surely it is time to put old troubles aside, wave the white flag of peace and all live in harmony one with another. Perhaps this is asking too much and my view too utopian but I appeal to all involved to live and let live.

A WILKINS

Abbey Meads