In response to Chris Bourne's comment: "Friday night saw a victory for common sense and fairness over the forces of selfish self-interest"

(The Argus, February 5).

I would respectfully point out that more than 3,000 concerned parents signed the petition opposing the schools admissions review (SAR) proposals, myself included. I strongly object to his arrogant and deeply offensive ascertain of "forces of self-interest".

Along with many other opponents to the proposal, I am happy to accept changes to the admissions system where underprivileged groups benefited but where can children in less affluent areas now apply for secondary school?

For example: Bevendean, Coombe Road, Moulsecoomb and Lewes Road are limited to a catchment of Falmer High and Coldean and Hollingbury are forced together with Patcham High.

The situation now is the children who need and deserve the highest-quality education are now limited to the schools with the poorest results in Brighton.

Meanwhile, the high achieving Stringer and Varndean schools will have Hanover and Queen's Park in their catchment - hardly impoverished areas where parents place little importance on quality education.

Chris Bourne ought to reflect on the plight of the many children who have lost out through this proposal to the advantage of families in Queen's Park and Hanover. Who, I wonder, exhibits the genuine selfish self-interest?

Dr R Barnes
Ladies Mile Road, Patcham