As a former student of Lurgan College, it hurts to know that there are some in society who appear to be determined to disadvantage today's youth from having an education applicable to the twenty-first century.

Perhaps the College motto 'Meliora Sequor' - 'To follow better things' is now more applicable than ever before.

The Watt Endowed School, founded on the basis of teachings on English, Classical Studies and Agriculture has held up to its core values in teaching over the past 135 years.

As a past student, I can only speak with very positive comments regarding the ethos and teachings of the College and with someone who has had first hand experience of the inadequate facilities to which the College has had to prevail with for many decades, the motto 'Meliora Sequor' always was maintained.

For instance, during my period of education, no information technology facilities were available, no sixth form centre was present, inadequate sports facilities were provided, as well as a poor overall building fabric and poor disabled access.

These items have now been partially provided over a gradual basis, allowing the college 'to follow better things', just as exam results are proving over recent years.

Therefore those who have questioned the development of this establishment need to listen to current, past students and the teaching staff and the structure of Lurgan College and allow this project to be advanced.

As someone who is involved in construction, it takes years to plan and to implement a new school build and to come so close now and to risk the future of so many of Lurgan's young people is totally despicable and short sighted.

This funding has lawfully been given for the College Walk site and a new build will only occur on it.

As for concerns raised from other schools, the youth of Lurgan have a free choice and can decide on which school to attend.

Lurgan College has waited for many, many years on this funding and this is only the start of much funding for the whole of the educational system in the Craigavon area.

Let us all maintain, develop and intensify the growth of intelligence, spiritual, moral and aesthetical aspects, and allow our youth to foster in better school environs and promote a deeper interest in a wider range of extra curricular activities.