LIKE many other people, I feel strongly that the Swan should continue to receive its grant as Worcester needs to retain this invaluable facility.

However, I deplore the shameful comments of Worcester MP Mike Foster who, in his usual fashion, tries to manipulate the situation into a party political arena as he scents more votes for himself in the future and the possibility (perish the thought) of his local Labour cronies regaining control of the council.

His insulting references to the amateur status of our councillors is regrettable as is the suggestion of incompetence. Surely there is enough evidence regarding the failure of the Labour group to properly fund the Swan and the plundering of the reserves in the past to rightly apply this description to them.

Let us hope that between now and November 4 a way is found to continue the funding in question and also for our publicity-seeking MP to "pipe down" unless he has anything constructive and less insulting to say to our councillors.

G WALTON,

Battenhall Road,

Worcester.

I HAVE recently been in correspondence with the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Robert Rowden, concerning the unnecessary waste of £40,000 being spent on road calming in Battenhall.

I cannot understand the reason for sucha waste of money on such a scheme when the money could be better used and allocated to help save the Swan Theatre.

LORNA J TYE (Mrs)

Battenhall, Worcester.

WE understand the Swan Theatre to be closing, assisted by a refusal (so far) by Worcester City Council to donate property taxpayers' money to a charity run by a load of old thespians.

Is it possible we may get a refund or will the "saved" cash now balance the outstanding negative budget?

A J EASTWOOD,

St Peter's,

Worcester.