THERE was further evidence this week that remedying the malaise in educational attainment in Fenland must remain a priority. The league tables of achievements published by the Government continue to reflect badly on this district, and there is also a welt

THERE was further evidence this week that remedying the malaise in educational attainment in Fenland must remain a priority.

The league tables of achievements published by the Government continue to reflect badly on this district, and there is also a welter of evidence that shows how schools are compelled to enforce exclusions to try and retain their grip on running efficient establishments.

This week we also took time out to meet local business leaders and it seems there remains a woeful supply of recruits with the right qualifications and the right aptitude for careers with Fenland businesses.

All of which must surely mean a hardening of resolve by public bodies, local councils, and business enterprise agencies to make education a key priority in 2010.

That Fenland District Council appears to have settled its internal difficulties over leadership is a good thing, and we hope the returning from holiday chief executive Tim Pilsbury will feel comfortable working with the new leader, Alan Melton, in tackling some of the urgent issues in both their respective in boxes.

The public will feel betrayed, and bewildered, if the antics of 2009 which saw record number of complaints to the standards committee frustrate the harmonious workings of the council and impede progress in the coming year.

Fenland has been let down by the Government over a new college but that aside there is much to play for in raising the bar and we want to see action, not words, and especially not some of the acrimonious words we have reported upon in the past.