I REFER to the letter from James Weir of the Bournemouth Civic Society (Daily Echo, February 9).

Mr Weir refers to the council’s Cultural Strategy which is planned to be completed in draft form in the next few months. However, we should not forget the significant progress made in Bournemouth for the arts over the past few years.

An example of this is the council’s partnership with the Arts Council has been highly beneficial and their support for the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, and other related activities has begun to put the area back on the cultural map.

At a time of very large cuts in government funding, Bournemouth council has remained committed to its support for the arts, which has been made even more difficult by budget pressures for the provision of many other services.

The former cinemas in Westover Road are of course in private ownership. Their potential development will be a matter for the Local Planning Authority in determining the planning application that has been made by the new owners.

Mr Weir asks “for the local authority to reject proposals for its destruction” and like many others, the Civic Society has commented on the application.

I cannot personally comment on this as it is a matter for the planners, but I can reassure Mr Weir there can be no doubt that Bournemouth council remains committed to the arts.

Unsurprisingly however, there are no plans for the council to offer to purchase or operate the buildings in Westover Road, but given the likely capital costs involved, it is unlikely that a viable business plan could be produced for the uses which Mr Weir suggests.

Cllr Lawrence Williams

Cabinet Member Tourism, Leisure & The Arts

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