I AM writing to express my concern at Bolton Council’s decision to accept planning permission to knock down the Theatre Church in Seymour Road, Astley Bridge.

I believe it is appalling that the planning permission will not go before the planning committee.

It appears that Bolton Council is unaware of the communities that it is affecting by allowing this to happen.

The Theatre Church was the home to thousands of thespians, dance groups and other organisations from the Bolton area.

It is extremely sad to think that the council are not supporting the people of Bolton in developing their talents and social skills, and most importantly, educating and occupying children. One would think that this would be a priority, especially in today’s society.

To put this into perspective, they have kicked five amateur dramatic societies, two youth theatre groups, eight dance groups and a number of other community organisations out of their home, and failed to even attempt helping finding an alternative building.

It bemuses me that they will happily accept planning permission for a super mosque to be built in the same vicinity, which clearly has caused a huge uproar within our society, but will allow a significant communal building of Bolton to be demolished. Where is the sense in that? Surely, the sensible resolution would be to preserve the buildings that we already have before thinking about building other structures.

I am not, by any means, a racist but this seems to be very unfair to not only Bolton Amateur Theatre, but the whole town.

I urge the council, on behalf of the Bolton community, to call this matter in for further discussion as a committee.

To think that our local council are happy to destroy a historical building which holds so many memories for many people, is disgraceful.

Chris Hatchman Bolton