I WISH to thank all of those that attended the meeting at the City Hall to support our beloved Salisbury art centre.

A bigger thank you to those who have worked so hard to get signatures and for work put in behind the scenes.

Gemma Okell spoke well and I’m heartbroken for her that she has had to be subjected with this loss of £89,000 from our one venue.

The absence of the councillor that issued this terrible blow stood out like a sore thumb, and I find it cowardly that this person didn’t turn up to confront the flack and another person was chosen to stand in for her.

The cut was done in an underhanded way and it seems that the Wiltshire council knew nothing of the cut until they read it in the Salisbury Journal.

I have no confidence in councillors that use their power to ruin people’s lives and venues without a decent time in order to fight it, or take it to appeal.

I do have every confidence in Gemma and the rest of the team and to the wonderful man that resigned from the board, so that he could come and fight our corner.

Believe me when I say I have faith and confidence that something good will come out of all of this misery. We need all the help we can get to overcome this adverse lack of financial support.

I strongly believe there needs to be an investigation on this issue as nothing was done in accordance to rightful and lawful rules.

The Wiltshire police have said that crime is down in Salisbury, and when children are getting involved in art it steers them away from drugs and crime and gives them a sense of self worth.

If more folk became involved in art there would not be so much depression — art is good medicine.

It was so noticeable that when the art centre’s views had been aired, the room emptied, so Salisbury residents have spoken their piece.

I end this piece by appealing to the councillor in question to please, please re-think this terrible deed and reimburse the art centre, as it’s not just about the money now, it’s the fact that people are about to lose their jobs.

Josie Smith

Shipton Bellinger