Write to the Paper

There are still plenty of issues connected with the stadium which could be covered in letters to the editor. If there is a specific incident in connection with a match or some other information that comes to light you can write to the paper.

Sending by email not only gets the letter to them while it is still relevant, but it also saves them retyping it which could help get it published. Send your letters to the Evening Post:

epletters@bepp.co.uk

Thanks for your support

Here are some tips on how to write to a paper.

How to Write Letters to the Editor

Short, concise letters are always more likely to be published than long, meandering ones; try to keep them under 150 words. The longer letters are also more likely to be edited. It's better that you do your own editing.

1. State the argument you are making, as briefly as possible, in the letter's introduction. If your letter is long it will either not get printed or will get edited.

2. Stick to a single subject. Deal with one issue per letter. Write several letters if you have several subjects.

3. Don't be shrill or abusive. Editors tend to discard letters containing personal attacks.

4. Your letter should be logically organized. First a brief recitation of the argument you are opposing, followed by a statement of your own position. Then present your evidence. Close with a short restatement of your position or a pithy comment

5. Use facts, figures and expert testimony whenever possible. This raises your letters above the mere opinion category.

6. Proofread your letter carefully for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Newspapers will usually edit to correct these mistakes, but your piece is more likely to be published if it is "clean" to begin with. Read your letter to a friend, for objective input.

7. Try to view the letter from the reader's perspective. Will the arguments make sense to someone without a special background on this issue. Did you use technical terms not familiar to the average reader?

8. Direct your missives to "Letters to the Editor," or some similar sounding title.

9. Always include your name, address, day-time phone number (and signature if sending by post). The papers will not publish this information, but they may use it to verify that you wrote the letter.

10. Most important - WRITE! Do not try to do a perfect letter. Just give it a good effort and send it off.