I WOULD like to add my voice to the growing chorus of support for the continuance of the Great Malvern Club (also called the Con Club).

Since changes to the licensing act in July 2003, venues where home grown or guest bands or DJs can perform and where audiences can dance, sited within the town, yet well away from a residential area will be non-existent, without The Great Malvern Club.

Sadly the other club at Link Top burnt down.

The Great Malvern Club has a semi-basement auditorium, which is so sound proof that events held there are almost inaudible from directly outside the club door, (unlike the Youth Centre).

Club patrons are in town to enjoy late shows at the club, often taking their custom to restaurants and pubs in the town, before going on to the club later.

In contrast clubs located on industrial estates are economically insular and possibly not quite so safe for young people as the heart of town.

These days many young people are studying contemporary popular music and performing arts at local colleges. The community needs to share this nascent talent just as much as young performers need to witness and interact with established groups.

Many people do not want television to become the only stage that ordinary folk can afford to see.

Having a light touch, the broad minded inclusive policy of the management at The Great Malvern Club has encouraged creativity to thrive across the generations.

Living culture and expression keeps a town alive, just as much, if not more than, a glossy retail experience.

ELAINE BENTLEY, West Malvern Road, Malvern.