ONCE again the Messenger brings us a story of failure surrounding the Special Needs Department in Trafford (August 11).

The latest criticism is by a charity, SEN Families Support Group.

The report on the council meeting makes disturbing reading. Excuses follow excuses as to why the council has not fulfilled its duties with regard to SEN children.

I would add that there are parents having to go to tribunal, a lengthy, expensive, and emotionally difficult process, which many cannot afford. This is simply to endeavour to get the help and support their children need. It is difficult because Trafford actually fight them legally. A productive use of council tax? What happens to children whose parents break under the stress of many months of adversarial contact with the SEN Department?

Shouldn't the department be putting their efforts into helping these children, not making everything a long and distressing struggle.

Conservative-controlled Trafford love to pat themselves on the back when it comes to the borough's grammar schools (which serve a tiny minority of children), but as the charity says Councillor Hyman should hang his head in shame and apologise to these children and their parents. It is astonishing that the councillor has the gall to be outraged.

Mrs P Preston, Widecombe Close, Davyhulme