WITH reference to Oxfordshire County Council’s requirement to cut costs and funding, as continuously mentioned by its leader Keith Mitchell, I and many people are rather concerned and confused on one particular issue.

In February, it was announced that the council was funding £5.7m towards the creation of a canalside ‘cultural quarter’ for Banbury, which would include the redevelopment and expansion of the Mill Arts Centre, to turn it into a 350-seat venue, with an outdoor performance area.

This is of major concern to many people, especially after recent visits to the Mill Centre.

On numerous occasions I and people I know have visited the venue at different times but have found it closed.

This seems to be a regular occurrence.

While in the town centre recently, we thought we would call in to buy tickets for a show.

We also thought that as we were there, we would have a drink at the bar.

However, what we found (once again) that there was just a note pinned to the entrance door, saying that the venue was closed.

We have also tried to telephone numerous times – but the phones have not been answered either.

People are now questioning the proposed expansion of the Mill and the whole £5.7m cultural quarter project.

We cannot believe and actually feel quite annoyed that taxpayers’ money should be used for a facility which is closed most of the time and seems to be used by very few people.

Any additional funding on this resource is certainly not justified and totally unnecessary.

Neil Davidson, Steeple Aston