SCHOOLCHILDREN are backing a campaign for better sporting facilities at Guiseley AFC as part of their Literacy Hour lessons.

The ten-year-olds at Tranmere Park Primary School have written letters to newspapers, MP Paul Truswell, the candidates in last week's local elections and the city council in support of a scheme put forward by entrepreneur Brendan Larkin. Only two pupils out of the entire Year 5 class expressed views against. The scheme is also supported by the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer.

Mr Larkin, who is in the oil industry, has pledged funds to Unibond Premier League club Guiseley as part of a package to build a sports centre - aimed at young people and run commercially on Mr Larkin's behalf. In turn he would fund improved facilities at both Guiseley AFC and Guiseley Cricket Club.

Guiseley AFC have been left behind in terms of facilities while their football has gained them national recognition. The team that appeared in two Wembley FA Vase finals in the early nineties and finished third in the league this season is unable to be promoted from the UniBond League if they achieve first place because facilities at their Nethermoor Park ground are way below standard.

Covered accommodation at a low level all around the ground would provide Guiseley with the facilities they need to move forward into the new millennium.

It is understood that none of the trees or any of the park facilities would be removed. Under the plan being talked about by the club and Mr Larkin, it would mean added amenities for local people with the inclusion of tennis courts, basketball courts, a nature trail and better play facilities for the younger children. It is with this in mind that the youngsters from Tranmere Park School have backed the campaign as part of their lessons in persuasive writing.

The Year 5 teacher at Tranmere Park School, Louisa Saunders, said: "This campaign featured in your newspaper fitted in very well with what the children were doing in their Literacy Hour. It is very much a local issue.

"Just a couple of the children were against the proposals after seeing the plans. They have displayed all the information on the classroom wall and they were thrilled to get a reply to their letter from MP Paul Truswell."

A number of residents in the Nethermoor Park area are against the scheme, citing the fact that the ground was given to the people of Guiseley as a public park. They also fear increased traffic problems if the proposals go ahead.

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