MADAM, I was surprised, and disappointed, to see that your Gazette web poll last week showed a majority against holding a Festival of Sport in Ross.

I can't understand this negative attitude. Personally I think holding a Sports Festival is a splendid idea. There is a huge amount of interest in all kinds of sports in Ross with a lot of well supported and well organised clubs in both the major and minor sports. A local Sports Festival would fit in well with next year's Jubilee celebrations and with the Ross Town Plan aspirations to boost sporting activities and opportunities.

Possibly the negative reaction reflected the fact that at the moment a sports festival appears to be just an idea (albeit a good one) rather than a definite project. As chairman of the Ross Sports and Leisure Federation I would like to make it a definite project providing there is sufficient support and enthusiasm. We will be discussing the matter at the next Federation meeting, but in the meantime I would welcome suggestions, and offers of support, from anyone interested. The Federation's e-mail address is [email protected]">[email protected] or I can be contacted direct at [email protected]">[email protected], telephone 01989 769090.

Cllr. John Edwards, Ross