WITH respect to the issue of the possible travellers' site in Stoneham Way, some of the people opposing it have been labelled NIMBYs, but it should be pointed out that the site is in an area which has suffered the most problems from illegal encampments, particularly as far as sporting activity is concerned.

There is a lot of sport played in the Stoneham Lane area. Not only do Portsmouth Football Club train there, but you have Eastleigh Football Club, Trojans Sports Club, Banister Park Bowls Club, Stoneham Park, and others, and as far as I am concerned the welfare of those who are currently associated with these worthy institutions should be given high priority, when making a decision on this matter.

I question to what extent the aims of private sporting clubs and travellers are compatible, and maybe part of the reason for the success of the Kanes Hill site is that there are fewer sporting institutions in close proximity.

Maybe if there is a good relationship between the travellers and the local community in Thornhill, it might be a good idea to enable more travellers to enjoy the benefit of this good relationship.

MALCOLM CLARKE, Eastleigh.