I WAS pleased to see attention drawn to the plight of Hob Moor School (October 31). Readers may have been shocked by the sight of the school, built out of corrugated aluminium in the post-war years, with a temporary life span of 25 years. Forty-six years later, it is still here, looking more like a prison camp than a modern primary school.

Not only have the city council poured money into maintaining this ailing structure, it also absorbs more than its share of the schools' budget, cementing the inequality of opportunity for its pupils.

We have to put up with cold, damp classrooms, buckets to catch rain water in the main hall, and on many autumn and winter days, wade through floods caused by blocked drains to reach the school entrance.

This summer, myself and many other parents assisted on a school trip, taking the children to Copmanthorpe School for swimming and water-play in their purpose-built swimming pool. While I waited to go in with my group of children, they played in the well designed infant and junior playgrounds with their landscaping, wooded areas and modern outdoor play equipment.

We returned on the bus to Hob Moor with a heavy heart. Many parents were simply stunned by the difference in the two schools, only a few miles apart. I do not mean to imply that one school is good, while the other is bad. During my time assisting in the classroom at the school, two things have impressed me; the staff, who are utterly dedicated and infinitely resourceful; and the children, so eager and receptive to learning.

Hob Moor School has been overlooked many times but it deserves better. Parents, staff and governors will continue to fight for a fair deal.

Jane Edwards,

Parent Governor,

Hob Moor School,

Kingsway West,

York.