I FEEL I must reply to the letter condemning our recent anti-racism day as "a waste of time".

The club, several years ago, felt that racism was not a problem at Bury FC. I contradicted remarks made by an ex-councillor on the subject and felt that a general condemnation of this activity of Bury was not necessary.

Since that time, particularly towards the end of the season, it became quite obvious that our players had been subjected to racial abuse.

The club decided that it was important to make our feelings known and try to re-educate certain areas of our support which had instigated this behaviour.

Therefore our anti-racism day was not only to encourage minorities to attend the game but to encompass all supporters in reinforcing the club's commitment to a radically tolerant supporter base. The thinking behind this, and the involvement of as many minorities as possible, was to show all concerned that the club can provide an environment for watching football that is not oppressive, threatening or dangerous but can be safe and enjoyable.

There are many ways that the club is looking to increase its supporter base. I have taken into account the recent survey carried out by the Supporters Association which showed that of a number of local people interviewed, a majority supported other clubs. Therefore it is important that we target other areas of potential support. The Bury FC Community Programme is very active in schools and the number of younger boys from the ethnic community playing, or wanting to watch, football is increasing.

The area around the Bury FC ground has, we are led to believe, an 18 per cent population from so-called ethnic minority backgrounds. These families are within walking distance of the club and all efforts to encourage their support must be important for our future survival. We are aware that initiatives take a long time to come to fruition but this does not mean we should not target this or any other area of support.

The club is also supportive of the countrywide initiative supported by Government and both leagues known as the "Kick it Out" campaign. We are, as part of our acceptance of grants to rebuild Gigg Lane, committed to encourage ethnic and other minority participation.

We are not trying to change the course of history, or indeed to change beliefs that individuals already hold. We only ask people for tolerance in others' beliefs and to hopefully give all the townspeople a common cause in supporting Bury FC.

TERRY ROBINSON,

chairman Bury FC.