Two things must surely now happen in the wake of the latest incident involving Oakbank School.

Firstly lessons must be learned all-round concerning the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 - known as the whistle Blowers' Charter - and the protection it gives.

Common sense dictates that once a complaint has been made and deemed worthy of investigation, the whistle blower is likely to face a difficult time in the workplace.

The ordinary person would also realise that the individual or organisation which is the subject of the whistle blowing might not be entirely happy with the situation.

That is a basic reason why the act gives legal protection against harrassment and victimisation.

In this case allegations and denials of improper conduct have been made.

But sadly these are not going to be tested under law as an out of tribunal settlement has been made.

That situation, caused by the fact that any further costs would have come from money intended for pupils, has done nothing to clear the air.

The second development has to be that the school - and all concerned with it - consign this incident to the history books and move forward, for the sake of the pupils and staff.

There's enough turmoil in the education system at the moment to last a lifetime.

Oakbankl is continuing its bid to retrieve its full and rightful position in the district.

Throughout all of the recent past there are those who have been working and are continuing to work for the school, knowing that a Sports College can bring huge benefits to the education system and the community at large.They deserve the fullest praise.

This sad chapter should be closed.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.