I was so disappointed to read the headline “School site being sought” in the Gazette (May 11).

The article went onto say Essex County Council (and education provider Continuum) were looking for a site to establish a school for up to 16 special needs children.

This search has obviously been going on for some time, as the article referred to a previous negotiation failing in February.

This says to me the need was there well before that, perhaps one or two years.

How short-sighted are the authorities? Just down the road from where I live are about 38 new houses. Yes, very nice they are – a selection of detached, semis, terraced and offering part ownership.

But, where have they been built? Yes, you’ve guessed, on the site of a special needs school that was closed and recently demolished!

Surely, the need for schools for special needs children has always been there and, as the article suggested, the need is there now.

But, maybe housing is more profitable? Shame on the council

John Disney
Cherry Tree Avenue
Clacton