MEMBERS of the Civic Society regret that the future of the Swan Theatre appears to have become an exercise in belittling individuals and organisations, whether of the arts or elected councils.

Instead, there should be a constructive debate as to how to provide funding that will enable the theatre to be sustained over the long term.

The society urges all concerned to discard their seemingly entrenched positions and work to retain the Swan Theatre as an integral part of the community that is Worcester. The city will be a poorer place if the theatre disappears.

CHRIS SHAW, Civic Society, Worcester.