I READ the letter headlined "Gutter tactics over academy" by Sue McMahon, of the National Union of Teachers ("Your say, March 12).

It is a hard lesson to learn that, when fighting any issue of unfair change, hunting with the dogs and running with the fox gets you nowhere in the end.

While Coun Barry Collins's accusation of the NUT climbing into bed with the BNP was a disgrace, she should have quickly informed him that Labour's tactics of holding everyone to ransom, in fear of the BNP, would not stop the fight for Holy Trinity Senior School.

Her softly, softly approach should now be thrown aside as Labour has given her little thanks.

Sue McMahon should have learned her lessons from her previous encounter with Coun Collins over the attempted closure of Mixenden School.

Two organisations tried to claim credit for saving the school, the cheeky Coun Barry Collins, who put it in his canvassing leaflets, the other the NUT.

While the NUT played a small part in Mixenden School's retention it was fighting by local people, in large numbers, that saved the school.

Labour was left with no choice but to make a u-turn because it feared a backlash of votes for the BNP if the Mixenden School battle was lost.

Sue McMahon should now think of her own position. Her softly softly approach of not rocking the boat too much has put her in deep water once again.

Coun Barry Collins's political tactics are about as slippery as a box of frogs, using the old tactic of associating people who are fighting unfair changes with the BNP.

This is not only undemocratic but an insult to fair debate. His remarks should have been challenged and he been made to withdraw.

My advice to Sue McMahon would be to continue to insist on a retraction of Coun Collins's politically slippery statement. And in future leave him to play his unfair political games.

Last, but not least, leave no stone unturned in the fight to save yet another doomed school.

(Mrs) Heather Terry