I WAS delighted to read that Darlington Borough Council has given the Civic Theatre a stay of execution until 2012.

This could be the result of the pressure placed on the council and, although lots of work still has to be done, it is very encouraging to know the council is now aware of what we are hoping for.

I was also delighted to read the chairman and the council would be happy to work with the Friends of the Civic Theatre.

I really do look forward to communicating with them and having them keep me well informed – it really would be a first.

So, with new encouraging news, I appeal once again for everybody to really support the Civic and Arts Centre as you have never done before and really impress the council that we really do want the Civic Theatre and Arts Centre to maintain the arts in Darlington for many years to come.

Peter Parlour, Friends of the Civic, Bedale.