A RECENT appeal by some 3,000 people signing an online petition has prompted a relook at staging the Southampton Balloon and Flower Festival once more.

I think, however, this is going to be a non-flyer from the start.

Not only will there be the inevitable problems with air traffic, but I feel part of the reason for the decline in numbers was the infrequency of balloons actually flying.

Thousands of people would arrive daily to witness the fantastic sight of a mass balloon launch, only to have their hopes constantly dashed by inactivity.

Sure, some were inflated and tethered on the ground, but it is not the same as a launch.

One of the problems that hasn’t been so far mentioned is the close proximity of Southampton Common to the coast.

What goes up must come down, preferably not into the sea though!

If the wind is blowing the wrong way, then there is no way the balloons will launch if there is nowhere to land other than water.

I would love Southampton to host a major event again like we used to do years ago but I feel balloons sadly will be off the agenda.

RICHARD A JACOB, Shirley, Southampton.