I AM writing with regard to your front page article (September 10), Rocked by Poison Pen Letter.

I find it disgusting that such a one-sided, damning article could be printed in your paper in such a melodramatic manner, when you must be aware that it can cause untold misery and damage both to the person concerned and to the school when there is no guilt proven.

You have taken no account of the number of parents who are extremely satisfied with St Mary Magdalen's and the way it is educating our children to become excellent members of society both morally and academically.

Speaking as one such parent and an active member of the Friends of St Mary Magdalen's, I have nothing but praise for the school.

I therefore expect a written apology, to the school and on next week's front page, highlighting the outstanding success of St Mary Magdalen's School, as far as its academic record is concerned and the high regard in which it is held by the majority of parents in the school.

If any guilt is subsequently proven then you can feel at liberty to print a full and frank article on the whole subject but, until such time, you should act with respect and responsibility, a position in which any part of the media is placed when dealing with the welfare of people's characters and livelihoods.

Caroline Hampson, Greencroft, Penwortham

Editor's comment: We have presented a balanced report of the facts as a matter of public interest. The fact that we chose not to identify the teacher involved reflects this.

We are well aware of the many satisfied parents of youngsters at this school and feel that has been reflected in the tenor of the article and consequent follow-ups.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.