I WOULD like to offer my full support for the York Sport and Leisure Campaign (Sporting Chance For Campaign, July 17).

I hope this campaign will add to the pressure on all parties following the Lib Dems' intriguing decision to close York's Barbican Centre without the community swimming pool we were all promised.

We all recognise the present trend of increasing obesity and the health effects. But I don't think we should underestimate its impact on other aspects of quality of life too. With no swimming pool or large-scale sports facilities in south east and east York, could there be an impact on antisocial behaviour, for example?

We can pump cash into community projects and youth schemes, but very few schemes can offer the inclusiveness and attraction of good sports facilities.

On behalf of the Conservative Party I hope, if elected next year, we can reverse this trend.

We must make sure that the University of York's Heslington East sports facilities are not cut back and are available for full public use as well as use by local schools. We must avoid the sale of school fields and prevent the loss of other green spaces in York.

This should, however, not be a party political matter. It is my intention to help alongside both locals and other political parties and I would challenge the present council to support the campaign and reconsider their policies.

Michael Rutherford, Conservative Party candidate, Fishergate, Skipton House, Lawrence Square, York.