I HAVE just returned from a short trip to Belarus, an impoverished former republic of the Soviet Union.

Electricity in that country is expensive and in short supply and, as night falls, village homes darken, all activity comes to an end and people simply have to go to bed.

Naturally enough, they yearn to come to the West, among other things, like us, to enjoy a broad range of recreation in the evening.

While I was away, Graham Hindle (Letters, February 10) complained about the light emanating, at night, from the Blackburn Rovera Youth Academy at Brockhall Village. He described it as 'pollution.'

This is a strange description of the activity of some hundreds of young boys striving, after they have finished their academic work each day, to enhance their strength and fitness and improve their sporting skills.

When I see the lights of the academy, I do not see 'pollution,' I see vigour and endeavour and human achievement. I am not depressed, as is Mr Hindle. I am filled with hope for the stars of the future.

I have a suggestion for Mr Hindle. If he really wishes to live where nightfall means only darkness, stargazing and sleep, he should go to the Belarus countryside. He will not lack for volunteers to change places with him.

GERALD HITMAN, Brockhall Village Ltd, Brockhall, Billington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.