I WRITE as a professional actress who has had the pleasure of working at Worcester's Swan, most recently as Mrs Malaprop in The Rivals.

The city council can have had no idea of the depth of feeling their negative decision would stir up in the city, and in the theatrical profession, for this tiny, magical theatre, brought so brilliantly into the 21st Century by Jenny Stephens.

When an actor is cast in a Swan production, their contract asks them to take part in play-readings of new local writing, and in workshops, as well as the acting - this is rare and special.

The standards of direction, design, stage-management, carpentry, wardrobe, lighting and sound at the Swan are exceptional. If the Swan closes, all these skilled people, like the actors, move on - it is our life and our careers. But the only loser will be Worcester.

I ask the city council to consider what excellent value for money their grant can get them in terms of quality of life for their citizens, and I say to them: "To err is human, to change your minds is surely divine!"

TINA GRAY,

Bushley,

Tewkesbury.