LETTER – In Oakengates there is a beautiful theatre situated at “The Place”, at which some big names appear, including, Ken Dodd, Charlie Landsborough, Foster and Allen, to name a few.

Visitors travel from all over to attend these shows. Also every year the theatre presents a very enjoyable pantomime.

Car parking is free of charge to visitors and there are many coachloads of people and children who come to see either the shows or pantomime.

The beauty is that this car park accommodates both coaches and cars and is situated adjacent to “The Place”. The Theatre is Oakengates’ jewel in the crown.

But is this jewel about to be stolen by Telford &Wrekin Borough Council, by submitting plans for the construction of property on a large area of the theatre car park?

It will leave only limited spaces for parking. I fear this will kill the theatre and Oakengates in general.

Residents, traders, and theatre staff are up in arms about these proposals.

Some, including town councillors, fear that this is only the tip of the iceberg of what the borough council has in mind for Oakengates.

This once famous market town of Oakengates is desperately in need of regeneration.

We definitely don’t want to lose any of the theatre car park.

I call on the “powers that be” to consult and not insult Oakengates people, by holding a public consultation meeting – and I suggest they hold it in the theatre.

John Trafford, Oakengates