AS a founder member of The Buskers Ball of Bolton, and the woman who was party to organising the North West Songwriting Competition for a number of years, I know first hand the high standard of talent among the musicians of this town.

It saddened me a great deal to read about the short sightedness of the powers that be, with regard to Oscars Cafe Bar being turned down as an arts venue for the town. Just for the record, (pardon the pun) the likes of Alec Martin, Kevin Bates, Nick Jackson, Nick Bold, Rachel Appelton, Geoff Garcia, are just a few of the names this town ought to remember, because when they make it, and they will make it, it won't be as a result of this towns support!

Although Bolton Business Ventures supported a compilation CD of the town's musicians by way of a loan, and Bolton Towncentre Partnership expressed a wish to have their logo displayed on it, not one member would consider buying and stocking it in the Albert Hall gift shop, nor the museum gift shop.

At one time I put forward the idea of using the old fire station as an arts venue for the town, and was told by Bolton's Art Unit that it was a good idea, unfortunately the building was set to be demolished. And indeed it has been knocked down. So why another block of flats? What's the point in having these apartments around the town if there is nothing in the town to visit?

The musicians of Bolton have played Bolton Show, been part of the Streets Ahead Festival in Manchester, regularly entertained this town every Saturday for the last six years, put out CDs, busked in all weathers, I mean what do they have to do? I only wish it was in my power to do something to help, not just the musicians of this town, but the artists, photographers, painters and all manner of talent.

Unfortunately for me I am still in debt from the first time I tried to help out, and make a difference in this town, but if I could would do it again.

Many thanks though to John at the Man & Scythe for his support of the town's musicians, but it is time the town's performers had a suitable venue!

R Margot Gibson

Breightmet Drive,

Breightmet, Bolton.