I FEEL strongly about the suggestion of cutting funding for the arts in Swindon.

There are many young people in Swindon, children of the 80s' boom and I feel that if we do nothing to promote the culture of these youngsters, the binge-drinking pub culture will win out and future generations of the town will only know this way of life.

I understand that you cannot force the arts on young people but if you look at Bristol or Oxford, at least there is a choice for a night out in a trendy cafe with art on the walls or going to see a Japanese movie, popular with teenagers.

In time, with a little marketing, young people may start to enjoy hanging out in a richer cultural environment, may even get their own ideas.

And for us 20, 30 and 40-plus year olds, we need to be stimulated too before Swindon loses us to London and more culturally rich cities.

An investment in the arts is an investment in the future life and image of Swindon, don't let us be a national embarrassment any longer.

Corine Wilson

Jasmine Close