Chief education officer David Hawker's comments about the Balfour schools were petty and unprofessional.

Local democracy won the day with regard to the ill-conceived merger of two perfectly well-managed and happy schools.

The problem of numbers could be resolved in other ways if Brighton and Hove City Council really wanted to. One solution would be to reduce the intake at Balfour Infants School.

The only unfortunate aspect as far as the LEA is concerned is its internal politics and hidden agenda were not strong enough to succeed against the wishes of the parents, teachers and governors.

To lack the professionalism to accept this fair result is outrageous.

-Sian Edwardes-Evans and Tim Hawkins, thawk@dsl.pipex.com