The Somerset Chief Executive's campaign to draw attention to the plight of voluntary sports clubs and their need for tax exemptions has certainly gathered momentum.

The letter that he has written to all West Country Members of Parliament has certainly ruffled more than a few feathers and responses are being received at Mr Anderson's office at the County Ground on a daily basis.

The Somerset Chief Executive also broached the subject recently when he met with local Taunton MP Adrian Flook at one of Rob Turner's benefit functions.

In addition the matter has now become the subject of several articles in the national and regional daily press as well as other areas of the media and is likely to receive further coverage over the coming months as more and more voluntary sports clubs become aware of the likely implications.

Earlier this week a letter arrived on Peter Anderson's desk from John Read, who is the Director of Corporate Affairs at the England and Wales Cricket Board headquarters at Lord's in London.

In his letter, the man from the ECB, which is cricket's governing body, says: "Many, many thanks for writing to all MPs about the issue of tax exemptions - that's a fantastic effort and just what's required."

Mr Read concludes: "Hopefully all our efforts will bear fruit for cricket clubs up and down the country - goodness knows they need it."

Without a doubt Mr Anderson' efforts have brought the issue to the attention of a wide ranging audience and may well be exactly what is required if there are to be any realistic changes to the current situation relating to the way that voluntary sports clubs are treated.

© SOMERSET