WHAT a refreshing piece of journalism from the Evening Post, a sensible approach in highlighting this major city's underlying problems and failures, good job.

Bristol born and bred and very proud of it, we have many things here which are the envy of other major UK city's but there has always been this feeling and element of being overlooked and in the great shadow of major cities to our north and east.

This city has excellent student facilities, colleges and universities, schools that need not be mentioned twice, great night life, the latest shopping outlets, many, many historical places of interest, annual events paid homage to by people from all over the world, big wide open spaces, an escape route into the countryside 20 minutes away, Bristol has everything but mention arenas or stadia – detour anyone?

In today's fence-sitting society local and central powers are becoming blinded by fear of upsetting the apple cart, every word and judgement made is scrutinised by the media and all decisions driven by fear of losing votes and power. For every three shouts of yes there always appears to be this single voice of NO and it's sad to say this very small minority are strangling and stifling Bristol. A mighty oak trees new shoots have to see the sun to enable it to grow.

Listening to and witnessing recent events, it really does sadden the people of Bristol, the ice rink is a place which will I'm sure provide many memories, not just mine, whilst cricket was busily preparing its annual diary of international matches,

Bristol City FC must be distraught with what appears to be a very blinkered but stalling tactical manoeuvre by a very small group of well informed locals. Geoff Twentyman summed sport in Bristol up perfectly, he moved from Liverpool to Bristol a quarter of a century ago and said that he had only seen only a few minor changes in our sporting stadiums stands and roof designs, a sad, upsetting fact.

If electing a mayor will result in overruling these opposing groups or obtaining a compromise and enabling us to look forward into a bright future for the city of Bristol, where do I sign?

Speedway, cricket, ice hockey, football, rugby, all form the basis of the vast majority of our nations interests, open air events, concerts etc to add a few more, all these pastimes should be enjoyed in our city. We are an enviable location with masses of opportunities, not just somewhere to go for a walk, have a few drinks or shop. We want a vibrant town where we can see and hear the big names without travelling to the capital or second largest city, top sporting events at all our chosen clubs enjoyed in first class surroundings – "decision makers let Bristol be put on the map and those places that could represent us let them reflect back and represent you".

A huge majority reading this will be in total agreement, whilst sadly the smallest of minorities will be reading with a wry undermining smile.

Matt Coombs

Whitchurch