I am writing with some degree of sadness following the demonstrations mounted outside the Town Hall opposing the planning application for the proposed arts centre at Tally Ho.

It was an organised demonstration, by whom I know not for certain, but I sense it was put on for political advantage.

I served on this council and one of its predecessors, Finchley Council, for many years, and I have reason to believe I was then respected for expressing independent and hopefully balanced views.

What is now being attempted is a last ditch effort to deny the citizens of Barnet a badly-needed facility totally absent in this part of London. That is to say a credible focal point both to perform and see the arts, as well as a resource and training centre for young and old.

If the scheme is scuppered, appropriate and imaginative facilities to enable the disabled to participate in the creative arts will be denied them.

The demonstrators claim there is widespread opposition from the public. That does not ring true. The extensive survey and public presentations made received a large and overwhelmingly favourable response.

The council has already endorsed the scheme which certain people are now trying to defeat on detail.

If Barnet is to move forward attitudes must be positive and not negative.

Alan Cohen

vice-chairman

Tally Ho Arts Centre Trust