I SHOULD like to point out that all wheelchair users are not such ungrateful whingers as Mr David Hughlock who wrote a letter last week complaining about the facilities in the new Malvern Theatre.

I am a frequent theatregoer to the many theatres in the West Midlands area and find the facilities at Malvern are excellent. What does Mr Hughlock want? Does he think that being a wheelchair user gives him the right to have seats in the centre of the circle or stalls regardless of the fact that it would block the view of the able-bodied members of the audience behind.

I have sat in both areas. I never even noticed the slope in the floor of the stalls let alone have to "sit sideways". As for the side view from the circle, I find it more than compensated for by the luxury of elbow and leg room as well as the closeness to the action on the stage.

I note Mr Hughlock is not critical about the fact that he and any companion get tickets at a generous concessionary rate. The easy access through the front of the new theatre, access to the bar and the restaurant and the luxury of accessible loos on all levels can be found in very few theatres. In addition, the helpfulness of the front of house staff, who always give the impression that nothing is too much trouble, makes Malvern Theatres a pleasure for a wheelchair user to visit. When people like Mr Hughlock still complain it is not surprising that the able-bodied sometimes find it difficult to empathise with the disabled.

Should Mr Hughlock want to really assist his fellow wheelchair users why not take on the council responsible for parking and endeavour to organise convenient parking that would guarantee access for the independent visitors? In the meantime, this is one wheelchair user saying thank you to all those involved in the design and running of the new theatre for many pleasurable evenings entertainment.

MRS PIP LUNN, Beverley Way, Malvern Link.