HOW reassuring to read (letters October 19) that Councillor Allnatt has recognised a public preference to see the ex-Gaumont building retained. In his previous letter to this page (October 5) he seemed to give the impression that he would prefer to see a square of tarmac (albeit a temporary car park) rather than a restored 1930s art deco building.

I was therefore concerned and did question his credibility to make any sensitive opinion on such issues.

He also said that any entertainment nightclub should be taken out of the town centre. In the following week's Gazette (October 12) in an article stating where the council has, I think, the unenviable task of deciding the future of the Flowers site, he wanted to see entertainment as part of that scheme in an area only yards from the Gaumont?

I would wish to dispel the impression that what I want to see is a continuation of the recent Goldiggers-type venue, (This seems the stigmatised view of some of the councillors), but an arts centre to cater for all interested performing groups, local and national.

The article from the Chippenham Light Opera Group highlights the town's need for such a venue. I am also not against a well run nightclub or bar which sensitively restored and used the building to provide a good class acts to appeal to all age groups in Chippenham.

The building yes, I agree, is not looking its best at the moment, but ugly is not a word I would use.

Cinema and theatre design is a bit like the human anatomy with the front end looking good but the rear end can leave a lot to be desired.

The most likely outcome will be for nothing to happen to the building in which case it will only deteriorate even more.

At that time the only thing of beauty that some of our councillors see in the Gaumont can be realised, and that is the £300,000 to £500,000 the site could raise if sold for development.

David Reeves,

Pinfield Lane,

Chippenham.