Family fortunes

It is a question that takes on added resonance after the parents of asthma sufferer Ellie-Mae Lovelady revealed that she faces a three-mile trip to school – even though the nearest primary at Mixenden, Halifax, is just 300 yards away from their home.

Of course, there will always be winners and losers when school places are allocated – and the Lovelady family are no exception to this lottery.

But, when national politicians of all persuasions are championing the concept of localism and strong communities, the frustration being endured by this one family is entirely understandable.

And, while it is unrealistic to expect Lee Mount Primary, the school in question, to be expanded to accommodate the needs of the Lovelady family who have only recently moved to Mixenden, the onus should, nevertheless, still be on Calderdale Council – and other local education authorities for that matter – to provide the flexibility and pragmatism that, regrettably, has not been demonstrated in this instance.