WHILE it is appropriate that Poole stages a civic reception to honour the achievements of its speedway team in 2011, should not the borough be considering some lasting recognition to respect the long term dedication and service of its promoter Matt Ford?

For the first decade of this century he has enhanced the image of the borough with a pre-eminent entertainment amenity and an operation that is acknowledged and is the envy of enthusiasts from Melbourne to Moscow to Mid Lothian.

Speedway ranks in class and style right alongside Sandbanks and Sunseekers as glamorous Poole assets.

This year Matt’s operation encountered a lengthy series of setbacks and problems but by enterprise and imagination and sheer get up and go he overcame the difficulties and was able to track a double-winning side that was by far the greatest attraction in British racing and arguably one of the best box office propositions in the 80-year history of league racing in this country.

And, most commendably, in a grubby, unattractive time when most sports and entertainments are money-grabbing and fleecing their patrons at every opportunity, Matt chose to reward the loyalty of his supporters by reducing admission by one third for his home leg of speedway’s Knockout Cup Final.

It was a gesture that must not pass unnoticed.

Matt Ford is an entrepreneur that even Sir Alan Sugar and Richard Branson would acknowledge.

Never mind speedway, the bloke should be running the borough.

DAVE LANNING, Corfe View Road, Parkstone, Poole