READ with interest Chas Perrett's comments (Evening News, Tuesday, September 23) regarding the lamentable state of visual culture in Worcester.

Chas is right. Given the wealth and diversity of talent available within the Worcester art and design community, it seems little short of criminal for the city council to ignore this valuable cultural resource any longer.

Yes, it is true that currently, Worcester is suffering from under-funding in the area of non-statuary services.

But, given the fact that Worcester remains one of this country's premiere tourist attractions, the city council would, I feel, do well to consider the long-term benefits, both cultural and financial of fostering an active policy of support for the arts.

Let's capitalise further on the success of the developing Worcester Festival and give a lead to the arts community who, being naturally creative, will undoubtedly rise to the challenge of helping put their great city firmly on the cultural map where it belongs.

PAUL SMITH,