I HAD naively supposed that Nic Lloyd was to be warmly congratulated for developing a theatre with a national reputation in Malvern. We have access to outstanding theatrical and musical productions, we benefit directly by the income generated, and thanks to the educational programme, supported by the council, school children have the opportunity to work with directors and actors with international reputations. And all of this is made possible and secure, by the wide audience base, which is essential for survival.

Coun Willie Ford ('Theatre grant faces the chop', Malvern Gazette, October 13) obviously has a much deeper understanding of the situation. He sees that this really means that people from outside Malvern are making use of our theatre!

Why, for all I know, they may even be using our swimming pool, our shops, walking on our pavements, our hills!

"A local theatre, for local people,'" he cries.

You really couldn't make this up, could you?

Allison Neal, Guarlford Road, Malvern.