In March 1994, a headline in this newspaper ran Barnet hits rock bottom' above an account of a survey of arts funding in London, with our borough in last place.

Since those days, the professional management of The Bull has quietly enhanced its reputation to the point where many shows are sellouts and 60,000 visitors are welcomed a year and the long-awaited and carefully researched artsdepot is due to open in spring 2004.

Correction was due to open. The new council disappointingly plans to scrap it, with inappropriate talk about using taxpayers' money for the maximum number of people.

Certainly the role of the council is to collect our taxes for our benefit and a forward-looking council will use the resources of its professional staff to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Barnet has always lacked a civic hall or arts centre which residents of St Albans, Watford or Harrow take for granted. Our need is no less than theirs.

Worse still, available buildings have been disappearing in an alarming way. Golders Green Hippodrome was acquired by the BBC, the Gaumont was demolished and church halls have been redeveloped.

I have two suggestions for the council. Firstly, appoint a cabinet member with no responsibility other than libraries and arts.

Secondly, support its own professional staff in providing services, including artsdepot, worthy of the people who live here.

Keith Martin

Friern Park, North Finchley

July 1, 2002 15:30