Better vision needed for our town centre

What a missed opportunity! [‘Bingo hall controversy rumbling on,’ Kentish Express, January 20].

The council’s failure to create an appropriate theatre space in the centre of Ashford represents a betrayal of all those involved local community arts.

Not least of these the local youth theatre deprived by the council of its previous home.

Such a venue could host a whole range of activities, conferences, choirs, etc.

Historic England is not alone in feeling misled by this administration.

The proposed development is typical of Ashford Borough Council’s ‘flatford’ project.

More and more small flats crammed into the town with no parking and no gardens, resulting in the inevitable decrease in the proportion of green space available to each resident.

The proposed multi-storey car park will no doubt have charges set at exorbitant levels, beyond the reach of those living in the town, who might have the temerity to aspire to own a car.

As the council has said millennials don’t drive!

The 750-seat theatre, should it ever see the light of day, will no doubt be yet another out-oftown box involving even more car journeys... what price the environment then!

It is sad that this administration lacks the vision to do something better for Ashford.

Cllr Charles Suddards

Victoria ward

Labour

It would appear the ‘white elephant’ is still being discussed about turning this into a theatre by a minority few.

Perhaps if the council had pulled it down within the last two years it would have allowed us to move on and discuss a new theatre.

The cost of refurbishing this building must now be in the region of £23m due to rising costs.

This would be a big burden on the ratepayers of Ashford for many years to come.

Perhaps the council could release its plan for a new, smaller theatre and where and when it would be built.

I am sure this would please most people and at a cost we can bear.

PJ Rosson