THE letter from David Slater last week highlights the many differing views and concerns on the future of the ex-Gaumont building and how important the future use of the building is for the benefit of the whole community.

I am concerned and interested as stated in this column many times to see the building is preserved.

Ideally this would be as an arts theatre, public hall or entertainment centre. Primarily it should be used as a community facility for use by people and organisations who wish to entertain or have a conference or public meeting.

The nightclub as highlighted in the Gazette article last week would have been the more short-term financial solution for the continued survival of the building, but hopefully not along the lines of the last days of Goldiggers.

I am on common ground with Mr Allnatt (letters November 2) in that the building should not be torn down for cash gain, but the public consultation questions bother me.

They could be "loaded" in such a way that North Wiltshire District Council gets the answers it wants

Mr Allnatt alluded to the "heavy cost" to the taxpayer of retaining the building. This comment would kill the idea. Remember Monkton Park open air pool the threat of a few pence on the rates was its death knell.

My rates have gone up year on year, and will continue to do so whether the Gaumont is saved or not.

This building is, apart from the Burtons shop frontage and some areas of the Astoria cinema, the last remaining true 1930s Art Deco structure in Chippenham.

It should be given a chance of survival to highlight an exciting era in architecture

DAVID REEVES

Pinfield Lane, Chippenham