I CANNOT believe it. Let us all hope and pray that this latest crackpot idea - the handing over of the Malvern Theatres Trust to a commercial operator - is an idea only, which is never pursued.

In Malvern, we are privileged to have one of the finest theatre complexes in the country. Outsiders admire and travel from afar for the wide variety of entertainment on offer, one of the main features that draws tourists to our town. If a commercial operator took over it would have little, or no, interest in Malvern, or knowledge of the regular clientele; profit would be the sole criterion.

Voluntary staff, who have donated in kind through many years, would be required no more: an extra £60,000 plus per year would need to be found. Donations by local residents to fundraising campaigns, would not be given as willingly, if at all.

Almost certainly, ticket prices would be at London levels in a very short time, and that would show a shortfall in the sizes of audiences. The worst feature would be that the unique ethos that Mr Nic Lloyd and his dedicated staff have worked hard to develop through their presence and personal involvement would be lost.

Also, whilst writing, I agree with Wilfred Harper's letter in the Gazette of December 7, totally. The Autumn in Malvern Festival is of inestimable value in the celebration of the Arts here.

JILL HOPKINS, Picken End, Hanley Swan.