Thanks for burger van ban

I WRITE in support of Dunmow Town Council s decision to refuse to allow the proposed burger van to park on the Downs outside The Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre. The school was not consulted about the proposal. The school has gained the Nation

I WRITE in support of Dunmow Town Council's decision to refuse to allow the proposed burger van to park on the Downs outside The Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre. The school was not consulted about the proposal.

The school has gained the National Award for Healthy Schools, one of only a few secondary schools to do so.

The award recognises the contribution the school makes to children's healthy lifestyles, of which we are very proud.

At the school we offer a full catering service for staff and students. The popular provision offers a variety of meals, snacks and drinks - all in line with Government regulations for healthy school meals. Last year, we extended this service to include a satellite service in the Sixth Form Centre exclusively for their use.

Over the last five years we have made changes to the lunchtime arrangement, following consultation with all stakeholders, reducing the lunchtime to 45 minutes and only allowing Year 11 Prefects and Sixth Form students to leave the school site at lunchtime.

The presence of such a van would encourage students to attempt to leave the school site and also damage the good relationships we have with our neighbours.

I thank the council for its support in our drive to raise standards at The Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form Centre.

Simon Knight, Headteacher, The Helena Romanes School