WE, as representatives of sports clubs in West Devon, wish to express our gratitude to John Burnett MP and the councillors of West Devon for the meeting on Monday April 17.

The meeting heard from sports club representatives from all parts of West Devon. Sports clubs brought to the attention of councillors the dire financial straits that clubs are in as a result of increases in business rates.

All households and businesses have suffered rate increases over the last few years. However, no household or business has had to cope with a 350 per cent increase in rates over the last three years — except for the business rates paid by sports clubs.

A survey of sports clubs who pay business rates showed that 25 clubs paid in total £5,120 in rates in 96/97. The survey also showed the rates paid in 99/2000 by these same clubs was £17,904. Not surprisingly, sports clubs are about to go under. What a terrible loss to the whole community this would be.

When central government introduced business rates, sadly it included sports clubs as businesses. Businesses make profit. Frankly, sports clubs are not businesses — they do not make profit.

Fortunately, central government at the same time introduced a relief scheme. Central government would pay to local government 75 per cent of the value of any relief given by local government. Up to 1996/97 West Devon gave sports clubs approximately 80 per cent relief on business rates. Since then, relief has been progressively withdrawn each year.

West Devon is alone in this policy — we have checked with Sport England (the English Sports Council), and they confirm that West Devon are alone in this policy.

Sports clubs feel they have a responsibility to work with West Devon to achieve an answer. Sports clubs have made a number of proposals which would result in no net cost to West Devon's budget. We earnestly request everyone for whom sport in West Devon is important to contact their local councillor and explain to them their concerns.

We are not looking for special favours. We are looking for fairness. We feel we should be treated as other district councils treat sports clubs. All we ask for is a level playing field.

Ted Cann, Stan Cousins, Yvonne and Bernard Rendle, Brian Steer, Mike Jefferies, Simon Essex, representing 25 West Devon sports clubs.