It was with a mixture of regret and anger that I read of the proposal by City of York Council to reduce its funding of the hugely successful Stagecoach Theatre group.

I write both as a theatregoer, who has enjoyed numerous high-quality productions over the years, and as a father, whose daughter (see above letter) became entranced with the stage, thanks to her membership of the group. She is now doing a degree in acting at Arts Ed, in London, and I have John Cooper and his team to thank for that.

Stagecoach has provided a wonderful social group, young people who are committed to sharing their talents with the public and, as such, they provide a valuable contribution to the life of York and a positive image for the city.

How shortsighted, therefore, to deny the group its funding, a paltry sum for the city council, but everything to Stagecoach.

Anthony B. Skiera,

Barf House,

Nun Monkton, York.

Updated: 10:55 Monday, January 16, 2006