Sir – Wantage Town Council does well to carefully consider the new plans for King Alfred’s science block. Certainly its height and appearance in an older part of Wantage is important.

I do not think in these days of health and safety consciousness there will be a problem with obnoxious fumes. As an ex-King Alfred’s science teacher I believe that the most up-to-date facilities are far from the most important factor in good teaching and so this factor should not be used to over-promote the need for new labs.

As for the proposed sale of the East Site, it will be sadly missed by former pupils who remember it in its heyday as Icknield School.

Its sale must surely reduce the amount of playing fields available to King Alfred’s pupils, who need as much encouragement as ever to exercise and stave off the ever increasing problem of obesity.

Terry Randall
Grove Street
Wantage