The Citizen reports that a number of people have complained to the district auditor about the council's decision to give financial assistance to Morecambe football club. In helping local sporting, communal and cultural organisations whenever we can, the city council is acting the same way as other councils up and down the country. I feel sure our decision to support Morecambe has a great deal of public support and I am very confident that our action will be upheld in any inquiry. As a result of their footballing achievements Morecambe are poised for entry to the Football League. The club managed to obtain a major grant towards the cost of building a new stand and are also raising a proportion of the cost directly.

Given the short time span and the difficulties of serving a commercial loan, the club turned to the council for help. I am delighted and proud that we were able to offer loan for the required purpose. While in theory there will be interest payments, we will be giving an annual grant to cover the cost of that interest. Perhaps I should also point out that the club's directors have given personal guarantees for part of the loan. We may be a small district but we can still take pride in sporting prowess. As far as football is concerned we should also give full support to Morecambe's ambitions to join the Football League and to Lancaster's bid to enter the Conference. Meanwhile the council will be sponsoring both local teams in the 1997-98 FA Trophy. What price a final at Wembley.

Stanley Henig

Council leader

The council's backing for the club is laudable but why quote: 'a great deal of public support' for your actions as if that support made any difference to you. You clearly don't have the public confidence on some other issues yet carry on regardless. I am also amused to hear you describe Lancaster as a 'small district' when, judging by your allowance proposals, it is far from that - Ed.

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