THE Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) is a controversial attraction.

We cannot charge an admission fee and it currently costs tax payers £1.3m a year to maintain. That figure will surely rise year by year.

We were told by Ray Mallon, our elected mayor, that MIMA would attract visitors from all over the world. They would stay here, spend their money in local shops and so help the town’s economy.

Sadly, that has just not happened.

Concerns voiced by residents were recently addressed in a letter from the Labour leader of Middlesbrough Council, councillor Charles Rooney, who said “we are given £1.85 for each £1 we take.”

I was puzzled by this and pressed coun Rooney for an explanation.

He said that a recent study found that 40 jobs had been created by MIMA and 73 per cent of businesses felt that the retail environment had improved since it opened.

However, he made no mention of how and when the survey of local business was carried out.

The vast majority of visitors are local school children who visit MIMA for art lessons. Visitors from outside the area are few.

Where is the proof of overnight stays he refers to? Where are the details of the 40 jobs? Are they permanent or were they created during construction?

Some of us have suggested that MIMA be mothballed due to the cuts.

Instead, we have been told such things as swimming baths, libraries and community centres will no doubt close.

Joan McTigue, Middlesbrough.