I have lived in Rowde for over 30 years and I have great sentiment for the village.

Since the proposal for a new school came about I have happily sat on the fence as I do not live in close vicinity of the school or to where the proposed new school is to be built.

But having read 'New school chance not to be missed' (letters, March 18) I felt incensed to write.

Firstly I wish to defend the

residents of the Springfield Road area and the other surrounding

residents of the school.

These people are being made to look like public enemy number one and I think it's about time some home truths were voiced.

How would anybody feel if their home was to have an estate of three-storey houses plonked just feet away from their door? Can anybody honestly say they would just roll over and let it happen? I think not! These people are just doing what anybody else would and it makes me angry to see what vicious words are being used against them.

I would like to point out a comment made in the letter about the people of Rowde having to drive miles to use petrol stations and shops.

I don't quite know what that was supposed to prove as we have no choice but many of the parents who bring their children to this school do.

Many who come from outside the catchment area all have their own local schools. St Peter's Primary is struggling for pupils and there are pupils at Rowde School who should be at St Peter's.

What it comes down to is people who don't live in the village feel they have the right to do what they want within our village, when at the end of the day they can return to their homes and forget all about Rowde.

So maybe they should take a

moment and have a think about this. If everything goes wrong, the

villagers of Rowde will have to pick up the pieces while you can just all walk away from it.