IT was pleasing to read (Globe February 19) that a young Wirral skier was showing great talent and held Olympic ambitions, but it is sad that he has to travel to Manchester for regular training.

Whilst there is a nursery ski slope at Bebington Oval, this has little to offer to skiers and boarders to improve their skill after their first winter holiday.

Good sports facilities should be available to Wirral residents within 30 minutes from home.

This principle is upheld in the draft Wirral Local Plan but the plan makes no reference to any winter sports or other sports for which there is no facility in Wirral.

I have lobbied the Council on this for over 30 years.

What is required and could be achieved with the cooperation of Wirral Waters, is something on the lines of CopenHill (www.copenhill.dk/en) which demonstrates what can be done in an urban area with no natural hills.

Skiers and boarders in Liverpool City Region need to unite and respond to the consultation on the Local Plan by March 23 demanding account be taken, in the final Plan, of the need for good snow-sport facilities.

Alan Jones, retired ski instructor, Upton