Letter: Does Theatre Severn provide value for money?

The recent news that the Theatre Severn is receiving a subsidy of over £700,000 per year is no surprise.

Although the new theatre is quite a good venue (apart from its scruffy looking exterior), I can't believe it has proved value for money.

Who, other than our local authority, would sanction the setting up of an enterprise that was going to cost millions of taxpayers' money to run?

Didn't anyone consider this angle during the planning stage?

This news, added to previous council projects such as building the said theatre (over budget and late), Quantum Leap (over budget and late),

Darwin Gate (ugly waste of money), plus the Veolia contract debacle seems to have a recurring theme.

That is a willingness by the responsible authorities to spend taxpayers' money without proper checks and balances.

The news of free swimming provision until the Olympics is also a bit of a puzzle.

Councillor 'money worth spending' Charmley tells us that it is of no cost to the taxpayer.

I'd love to know how this miracle is achieved?

And as for the Music Hall refurbishment bill . . .

Rod Davies

Shrewsbury