May I use your pages to thank Councillor Marc Hanson for his comments (letters, February 22) on my opposition to the Tory closure of Bond Road special needs children's centre. Every politician dreams of being accused of "breathtaking cynicism" at least once in his or her life.

Not that it matters, but Marc is misguided in his appraisal. I campaigned vigorously against my own side when the closure of Cricket Green Special School was considered. I'm now campaigning against a Tory closure which I believe to be every bit as harmful. I don't see anything cynical about that.

Let's be quite clear. The Tories ruling Merton Council are closing Bond Road. It's their decision, not the Government's. Merton's Labour councillors oppose this Tory closure.

COUNCILLOR NICK DRAPER Boundary Road Colliers Wood