The Liberal Democrat administration excuses the lack of places for reception children because the rise in demand for places "had come as a bolt from the blue and could not have been predicted".

But the evidence was there for all to see; it was repeated to the executive at its meeting of January 22.

In the past eight years there have been 3,200 new units of accommodation either built or due to be built in north Kingston alone.

I said at the time that Fern Hill, for example, should be expanded from two form entry to three form entry, to cope with the proven increase in population.

But the administration did nothing; and still does nothing.

They had ample opportunity some years ago to increase north Kingston's reception and infant places.

The Government offered £2m to rebuild and expand Latchmere Infants. But the Lib Dems, with Labour support, turned the offer down. They argued that such an expansion would harm nearby Richmond infant schools (Richmond then being Lib Dem-led).

"It will all be all right on the night" is the Lib Dem approach. Well, it won't be "all right". When are the Lib Dems and executive member Coun Patricia Bamford going to listen to the borough's parents?

Coun Dennis Doe
Tudor ward