HAVING lived in Redditch for more than 50 years, I was extremely pleased to see, four years ago, the town had at last decided to take "the arts" role in the town seriously and appoint an arts development manager.

Arts and cultural activities are a crucial part in any society - they are at least as important to the town's life as sports and as such our council should support them equally.

Contrary to popular belief, a wide variety of research nationally has shown youths are more interested in arts and culture than sport.

Since the appointment of a theatre and arts development manager, much excellent work has been done, particularly among the town's youth.

These many activities have been excellent value for money as they have drawn £225,000 of arts funding into the town that otherwise would have been lost.

The current budget crisis is NOT due to the AIR Festival which, despite reports to the contrary, only overran its budget by £100,000.

Although regrettable, this is a small amount in comparison to the total of other shortfalls.

The budget spending cuts are due to these other shortfalls which include:

Income reductions from council house sales by a third.

Energy cost increases by 50 per cent.

Increased pension contributions to match inflation.

Increased borrowing for the Capital Programme.

Land search income reduction of £120,000.

Central Government housing rebate reduction of £300,000.

(These facts were freely available from the council's finance department.)

I would urge the council, in its current round of spending cuts, to ring-fence the relatively modest funding given to crucially important arts development services.

Redditch's reputation depends on the quality of life it gives people and arts and culture form one of the most important pillars of our civic society.

Please do not, as so often in the past, underestimate its contribution and take a backward step.

MARTYN PUGH

Impney Close

Church Hill North