SIR: What utter claptrap is being discussed on TV about the Manchester Commonwealth Games. I refer to the announcement that the shooting will take place over 200 miles away, at Bisley in Surrey.

Why isn't the truth told, and that is that full bore and small bore pistol shooting is now banned in this country as a result of the Government's ban on the private ownership of such firearms.

Who in their right mind, will build a purpose built shooting range, at a cost of many thousands of pounds, for it never to be used again, and why should competitors from other countries be allowed to participate in a sport which is banned to people who reside in the host country?

I echo the total disgust of many of my ex shooting friends, who have had their sport criminalised by this government, yet somehow it will be allowed for certain privileged people to bring into this country firearms which are banned to residents.

I, for one, not only lost a sport that I loved but lost my livelihood also as I owned a shooting club.

A Bolton, Bolton

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