I LIVE in South-East England, but was born and bred in Sunderland. I was able, via satellite TV, to watch the BBC Inside Out programme which featured Sunderland city councillor Peter Maddison’s efforts to bring the remains of the City of Adelaide clipper back to its birthplace.

This ship is a piece of local history which, given time and funding, could become a huge tourist attraction and would look magnificent berthed on the River Wear.

I found it heart-warming to hear Coun Maddison talk of his aspirations for the ship, but for the life of me I cannot understand why the rest of Sunderland City Council is not backing his scheme.

The City of Adelaide should not be allowed to rot in Scotland, and it should not be allowed to go anywhere else in the world but Sunderland. It was built in our town by our ancestors and – in memory of their skills and hard work – that is where it should return.

Councillors and people of Sunderland, give Peter Maddison your full support before it is too late. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

David Young, Southend, Essex