THIS is a letter of support for SCOT, the Independent support campaign for the Octagon Theatre Bolton. I wish to add my voice to the many letters I am sure you have already received, to protest at the future Business Plan for the theatre over the next two years, and to ask for more time to try to pay off the existing deficit. At the last meeting of SCOT, there are several fund-raising projects being currently planned, and I feel that, as the theatre has such a good record of attendance and has a quality reputation to maintain, the current Business Plan, if put into action, will destroy all that has been built up over the last years.

I also understand that the Projects Manager, who has been brought in and has produced this plan, is being paid the sum of £400 a day, and I also understand that several thousand pounds has been produced to pay a Financial Adviser. Money at that rate could reduce the deficit very quickly, and surely, if there is that sort of money available, it should be used accordingly! If the problem is shortage of money, why isn't the money available being used in the right department?

I am an actress of 40 years' standing in both theatre and television and radio, and am an ardent theatre-goer and passionate supporter of the creative arts and would like to be able to continue to come to the theatre at Bolton to see both old and new plays.

Brigit Forsyth

Longhurst Lane, Mellor, Stockport

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