I WAS devastated to hear of the financial cuts that City of York Council is proposing to make to Stagecoach Youth Theatre York.

This company has, over the years, created much quality time for children and, with 140 members performing seven quality productions per year, the almost-certain closure within three years would leave many children extremely disheartened and disappointed.

I am sure that every member of the public who has had the pleasure of attending these productions would agree that the high quality of theatre produced - and in fact the confidence-building exercise that is created for each child - cannot be replaced by roads and transport.

It really is time the city council realised that arts education for children is essential to their development and cutting financial aid is gross mis-management and against most taxpayers' wishes.

Mrs W M Edwards,

Ivy Place,

New Earswick,

York.

Updated: 09:09 Friday, January 06, 2006