I WAS interested in your article about possible development projects in the Tang Hall area ('A sweeter Tang', April 21).

Although I would prefer not to see too much development on the Melrosegate playing fields, it being one of the few truly open spaces where young people can kick a ball about and let off steam, I very much welcome anything that will benefit the local community.

I agree with your readers that there could be a greater variety of things for young people to do.

However, for those who want to get involved, there are already several organisations and venues in the area providing activities for all ages, such as the environmental projects and short courses at St Nicholas Fields.

Venues such as Tang Hall Community Centre, St Hilda's, St Aelred's and Tang Hall Library provide everything from mother and toddler groups (at least six that I know of), to local history groups; Family Learning run free courses as diverse as supporting children's learning, computer English, First Aid and money management.

Burnholme Community College also adult education department offers courses from information technology to belly dancing!

In the work that I do in the area, I encounter a great number of residents who genuinely care about the local community and the surroundings in which they live and I encourage these individuals to get along to any of the venues listed and become involved in activities already going on.

I also urge the council to get behind these members of the community and the established organisations in the area to work together to identify the community's needs and improve facilities for all.

Fiona Himsworth,

Family Learning outreach tutor,

Tang Hall,

Address supplied.

Updated: 09:37 Monday, April 25, 2005