As an avid theatre-goer and ex-theatre manager, it is with shock and disgust at yet another Scarborough entertainment venue at risk that I put pen to paper.

Yorkshire Forward's U-turn in its plans for the Futurist needs opposing by the ratepayers of this borough, otherwise what are we left with after losing the Floral Hall, Opera House and Filey Sun Lounge – all sadly missed by artistes and holidaymakers alike?

Barrie Stead has done an excellent job at the Futurist.

This venue of 2,000 capacity is a jewel in the crown of Scarborough, attracting audiences from outside the area with top class shows – and a personal favourite of mine as one of the biggest venues in the country.

We must stop the rot now. Scarborough Council bought the site and promised to keep it as an entertainment venue. The Spa complex is not suitable in my opinion for big stars.

Not happy with tearing down the Corner Café soon to make way for private apartments, we have to read of further decimation of our proud theatre – namely the Futurist – joining the list.

Please support this venue throughout the rest of 2005 and hopefully 2006 seasons. You will regret it if they pull it down and replace it with yet another modern design.

The cost of this to Scarborough's tourist economy will put another nail in the coffin for our once beautiful town.

I Banks
St Johns Road
Scarborough.