AS a patron of the Swan Theatre for many years, I must take issue with your article in Thursday's Evening News about the theatre and the remarks quoted by the leader of the city council and the remarks by the chairman of the Swan board.

Firstly, I agree in part to Coun Stephen Inman's remark that the Board should look at the mistake of the amateur members of the board being pushed aside when they took over the running of the theatre.

They should also look at the wastage of materials created by the professional staff with some of their productions, and then buy new materials for the next. Why did they waste money and put another bar upstairs in the restaurant, thereby reducing the tables and seating?

Even the sweet counter has been moved three times in the past year. Now, there is a blocked-off section where it was before, and the sweets now encroach on the box office. Why is it that the theatre is always closed in June and July each year in the holiday season? And why was it closed when the Three Choir's festival was on? Golden opportunities - or lost revenue?

Why do they now employ 30 staff? When the theatre first started, it was run by less than 10 staff. They should reduce the present staffing levels to a more affordable one.

I would suggest that the board should have representatives from all the local amateur companies, who have proved over the years that they can put on sell-out shows - which is more than can be said for the present board.

The Swan was built by the amateurs for the amateurs more than 40 years ago. Let them run the theatre again and only bring the professionals in if required.

N M DUNKLEY,

Worcester