ARROW Valley Countryside Centre is under threat of closure despite the annual increase in visitor numbers.

Last year, 25,000 visitors used the facilities.

Families from all cultures and abilities use the centre for relaxation, leisure, exercise, sport and appreciation of its unique environment. Children love the play area.

While cutbacks have to be made if there is a budget shortfall, it is unfair the cutbacks should all be in the existing leisure and cultural fields.

No mention is made of cutting back for the time being on the amount spent on planning a new facility at the Abbey Stadium.

Why spend money on planning a leisure complex of questionable viability at the expense of closing down existing, well-used facilities such as the countryside centre?

Plans could be made to generate more income from the centre - a small caravan club site could be an option and use of the visitor centre facilities as a conference venue could be promoted.

As a last resort, a flat-rate car parking fee could be introduced. Please do not close the centre.

C and G LATTIMER

Hither Green Lane

Redditch