SUPPORTERS of Malvern Theatres will be extremely concerned to hear that discussions over its possible sale to the Ambassador Group by Malvern Hills District Council are still taking place.

This week's comment by Coun Bryan Smith, who represents the council on the theatre trust board, that public consultation might take place only once a decision to sell has been made will hardly add to their confidence!

We believe that talks should stop and a public consultation take place NOW.

If the council genuinely believes that a commercial takeover would be beneficial to the theatre, and not just be a way of saving money, than it should have the courage to make its case and debate the issue in public.

The fact that Nic Lloyd, the individual most responsible for building Malvern Theatres a national reputation, says he is "out of the loop" in these discussions is not encouraging.

While on the subject of the district council, we fully support Coun Tom Wells in arguing that it is wrong for any money from the so-called 'Malvern Millions' to be spent in Tenbury Wells, because the town was not part of the district when the council housing stock was sold off to Elgar Housing.

With a little will the council could still provide the people of Malvern with the sports facilities they have asked for.