IT WAS interesting to read the South Wales Argus two page spread (Tues, 24 March), describing how Blaenau Gwent played host at Parc Bryn Bach to an event emphasising the importance of expanding tourism in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, etc.

No surprise then there was no mention of their intentions for Guardian and Parc Arael Griffin in Six Bells, Blaenau Gwent.

During the last five years, due to the hard work of local volunteers and the help of Communities First, this monument and its landscaped surrounds has helped regenerate the area after the closure of the Six Bells Colliery. Thousands from the Valleys and abroad visit this site every year.

After the success of this project, including a cafe, museum and conference centre, Blaenau Gwent now propose to use this site, including the car park, for a school. This would, of necessity need to be surrounded by six-foot-high fencing destroying any views or landscapes remaining after construction.

This monument, for the uninitiated, is 20 metres high, the height of the Angel of the North. Would they surround that by a school and six-foot-high fencing? I think not.

Good education is important to the future of the Valleys but does this really make a case for destroying an area which brings thousands of tourists every year, gives great joy and pride to the local population, and has been designated a nature reserve. Blaenau Gwent, during your contemplation of your 21st-century schools plan couldn’t you find another site for this proposed school?

M. Gurney, Sebastopol, Pontypool