SIR Alan Ayckbourn is Britain's most performed living playwright, a legend of the theatre. Today he lends his considerable voice to the chorus of disapproval which has met City of York Council's threat to cut funding to Stagecoach Youth Theatre.

Lord Feversham has also asked the council to reconsider, his words echoing those of many Evening Press readers who are stunned by this decision.

We understand the huge financial pressure on the city council. But while the grant means life or death to Stagecoach, it is tiny in terms of the authority's budget.

The council makes great play of its youth initiatives. Stagecoach has given countless youngsters purpose and self-confidence, and entertained thousands of York residents in the process, all on a shoestring. It is harder to imagine better value for money.

To condemn the group to extinction for the sake of a few thousand pounds would be a one-act tragedy.

Updated: 10:22 Thursday, January 12, 2006