Amidst all the gloom at present, there is some good news – the prospect of World Cup football coming to Bristol.

Unlikely as it may sound, there is a real chance of it happening, as Bristol is seriously being considered as a venue.

Admittedly, we are looking almost a decade into the future.

And the games would be played in a stadium that has still not left the drawing board.

Yes, there are many hurdles for the Football Association to overcome. But it is still an exciting and enticing possibility.

Only a year or so ago, that would have seemed completely unlikely.

But not any more. Following the visit of FA officials on Monday, Bristol is in contention.

And it would make perfect sense for our city, which after all is the capital of the West, to host one of the World Cup groups.

Obviously there is a long way to go but it is already more than 40 years since the last time England hosted the tournament.

So it is more than time for the World Cup to come our way again – and how marvellous if Bristol could play a part in it.

IT has become quite apparent over the last few days that the Crow Lane area of Henbury has become a no-zone area for decent We are being told that the neighbourhood has become almost lawless, with gangs of youths intimidating and, as we have seen, attacking innocent people.

The latest incident involved two men being beaten almost senseless by a large gang.

A witness, whom we interview today, has told how blows rained down on the two men and that she felt physically sick as she watched the incident unfold.

It is clear that, in the case of these gangs and other troublemakers who have blighted the area in recent years, no one is willing to take responsibility for the actions of these hooligans.

Where are the parents? Or is it the case that the parents have failed to instil a sense of decency and responsibility?

There is also a perception, whether real or not, that Asbos do not have the desired effect and are not taken seriously by the hooligans.

The people of Henbury need reassurance that their neighbourhood is safe and the first step is for a 24/7 police presence.

Only then will the community feel they have the backing they need to stand up to the hoodlums.