I AM not surprised but sadly disappointed that the newly appointed cabinet of

Warrington Borough Council

has decided to downgrade, yet again, the possibility of raising the cultural offer in Warrington.

The decision to delete an executive role, whose responsibility would have been to nurture the artistic life of the town, is unhappily only too predictable. To tag arts, culture and museum on to the job description of the already stretched role of housing, health and wellbeing is an insult to Warrington people.

Having raised hopes again with the possibility of converting the Drill Hall into a community theatre, only to dash them, is cynical and unworthy.

This town of more than 210,000 citizens deserves a cultural focus so that residents can be entertained and informed near home rather than travel to Liverpool, Manchester or Chester. Is there any other town of similar size that cannot provide such a facility? Our young, talented and enthusiastic sons and daughters deserve a venue to hone their skills and improve their confidence. It is widely accepted that the creative parts of life are vital for health and wellbeing. When will our local politicians accept that their narrow view is not good enough?

CELIA JORDAN Stockton Heath