Sir, – That there is a "market" for a theatre in Farnham must be beyond dispute. This was supported some years ago by over 5,000 signatures and now, currently, by the recently completed constructive report commissioned by the Farnham Theatre Association. In association with City University of Cultural Policy and Management, this study was prepared by Michael Holden, a UNESCO consultant, and a widely accepted authority on theatre in the UK. That there was, in Farnham, not too long ago, a very successful theatre of unique interior design and character, is also beyond dispute. This theatre, the Redgrave, when under Waverley management, became financially unviable. Consequently, together with Brightwell House, it has been boarded up and is now the focal point of what could be termed a slum in the town centre. This site of dereliction might remain for years to come unless the East Street mess is sorted out. Because The Maltings now has the financial support of Waverley and grants from other sources, it can provide a wide range of excellent cultural facilities. These include some theatrical performances, but no one in their wildest dreams believes that it can provide real "theatre": Farnham Maltings cannot compensate for the loss of the Redgrave. This theatre, sensitively restored, could once again become a central and attractive venue catering for a wide range of audiences with productions which would meet local tastes. Waverley seems to have deaf ears when being asked to consider that a reopened theatre need not be a liability for the council. However, it is understandable that it does not wish to burn its fingers again financially, but to allow the two buildings to fall into such a state of disrepair is almost an act of vandalism. The theatre report, mentioned above, demonstrates that an imaginatively managed theatre in Farnham could be a viable proposition and would need no financial support from Waverley. This has been based on models of small theatres elsewhere in the country. It is interesting to note that there has been a revival of a number of theatres which have risen from the ashes over the last few years. Michael Holden's report makes no mention of restoration costs of the Redgrave. Theatre consultants and their surveyors have been denied entry to Brightwell House and the Redgrave buildings, making it impossible to produce a realistic assessment. These are listed buildings. They are the responsibility of the owner, Waverley, to maintain. There seems not to have been any survey carried out since the theatre was closed to establish what the cost of repair would be. The exorbitant possible cost of seven million pounds is the recent guesstimate, understood to have been from that of a WBC officer, apparently based on a previous guesstimate made some years earlier. It is time we had some facts! It is very unfortunate that Waverley, for whatever reason, has refused permission for anyone to obtain entry to the buildings for the purpose of a survey. This refusal has been challenged and must be again, since the restoration costs of the fabric of the buildings will ultimately fall upon us, the council tax payers. Surely we are entitled to know what the expenditure will be - even if it was only for Brightwell House. Where is the openness and transparency in local government which we have been promised? So much, therefore, for our local democracy. This seems to have gone out of the window over the East Street saga, especially now that it seems to have become a political issue. This is most regrettable, since this project, in which a successful theatre could be the jewel in the crown of the town centre, would be welcomed with open arms by many a small town with such a rich cultural heritage.

Bryan Sell, South Street, Farnham