Madam, The sad reading of no less than two letters illustrating the sheer frustration at the delay in the Leominster Kingfisher Pool project (January 30) is nothing but further proof of local and national authorities' indifference to sports and recreational facilities.

These are of paramount importance, particularly for young people.

I piloted and ran an initiative in New York City - no less! - in the early 1990s which snowballed with some success. The basic idea was to collect sports equipment for needy youth groups to re-establish 'yards', broken down gyms, tennis courts etc.

It caught the eye of US TV news and even a mention in the Congressional Record of the USA. (see www.kenbiz.co.uk).

Not only were all the obvious benefits apparent such as companionship, sportsmanship, physical fitness and no idle time for 'nasties', but the scheme also encouraged volunteers to come forward and help, either in a coaching or overseeing capacity. I hope Hereford-shire can really start 'swimming' on such projects as against 'sinking' into a couch potato morass, and doing nothing but stuffing property developers pockets with the sale of sports grounds and buildings.

Nigel Kenyon,

Bollitree Castle, Conservative Candidate, (Old Gore Ward).