I am hopeful that the recent calamity concerning the Corn Exchange in Witney provides an opportunity at last for the town to develop a proper arts centre on a par with Chipping Norton Theatre, the Mill Arts Centre in Banbury or the Cornerstone at Didcot.

As a expanding and vibrant market town in Oxfordshire we deserve a centre that can provide a base for the growing arts scene in the area.

My wishlist is to have a venue, easily accessible by public transport, that can house a cafe, meeting room for talks and presentations, a space for the range of dance, music, film and theatre, both local and touring productions and a gallery for displays of art, sculpture, photography, ceramics and other installations.

We have seen the strong following that our community art house cinema has and the popularity of the recent film festival set up by local young people in the area.

Our college and schools do much to foster the love of arts in our young people. Witney has a wealth of talent that we need to showcase more.

A properly equipped venue for a wider range of activities combining the much loved historic venue of the Corn Exchange with an extended space would be greatly appreciated by all ages.

Are there possibilities of extending the current building? Can the council match its enthusiasm for cars, shopping malls and pubs with a commitment to the cultural needs of the town as has happened in other market towns in the county.

JANET MAXWELL, Church Green, Witney