HOLYWELLS is a school that has had its problems in the past - and it continues to face challenges today.But as teachers and students work hard to lift its academic results, there is a great deal for everyone at the school to be immensely proud of.

HOLYWELLS is a school that has had its problems in the past - and it continues to face challenges today.

But as teachers and students work hard to lift its academic results, there is a great deal for everyone at the school to be immensely proud of.

And today we are delighted to highlight the successes of a school which despite the struggles of the past continues to be a focal point for the communities of south east Ipswich.

Holywells is changing rapidly and the students are showing that a determination to learn and prepare themselves for their future lives makes this an exciting place to study.

Today we shine the spotlight on the good things that are happening at Holywells.

According to government inspectors sitting in London, the academic results at the school should be better - but those who really know Holywells know the success that has been achieved there over recent years.

School work is not just about academic success - although that remains at the heart of Holywells - it is also about giving youngsters the practical skills they will need to prosper in their future lives.

In that, Holywells has been very successful. Youngsters now move on from the school at 16 to A level and other vocational courses - and eventually on to college or university.

VILLAGES need facilities if they are to thrive in the 21st century and not just become ghettos for the affluent retired.

Which is why the proposal to develop Stowupland Falcons football club as a centre for young players looks such a good idea - and why it is so sad that many people seem to have taken against it.

A new site for the football club would bring young people into the community and provide a healthy focus for those that already live there.

It is far better to have youngsters playing football on properly prepared pitches than hanging around on street corners making a nuisance of themselves.

Concerns about bread-and-butter issues like balls landing in back gardens should be able to be overcome by a sensible application of the planning process - but the principle of developing the pitches looks admirable.

Suggesting that it would be better to put the fields in Stowmarket is hardly practical - where would you find space for seven football pitches and a clubhouse in the town centre?

And complaints that it would encroach on the village “green-belt” hardly stand up - what is being proposed is extremely green, the club is not looking to rebuild Portman Road on the edge of the village!

TODAY'S Unison strike may not be bringing local government services to a halt across Suffolk, but it is causing disruption to many families.

Among those most affected are parents with children at Westbourne Sports College in Ipswich - the only Suffolk high school which has been forced to close its doors to students because of the strike.

Low-paid council staff clearly have great concerns about the way their wages are falling below the cost of living, but it is doubtful whether today's strike action will really bring the majority of the public round to supporting their cause.