I wanted to highlight the immense value of the Thelma Hulbert Gallery to myself and our community.

Like many others, I feel that access to view beautiful and high quality art truly enriches and broadens my perspective on life, it is a great joy to me.

However, I am on a low income and without the free access that Thelma Hulbert offers to remarkable exhibitions, I would not be able to have this valuable experience.

The fantastic workshops that Thelma Hulbert run for young people help open the door to art and culture and offer young people experiences that may lead to a life-long love of art. It can broaden their horizons away from the dreaded games console and TV.

The comment given by Mr Halse: “It is a great hole in the ground as far as finances are concerned”, seems drastic and detrimental to the reputation of a gallery that has worked so hard to bring beautiful art to our corner of the world.

I understand the budget constraints that councils are under during this time of austerity.

However, part of a council’s role is to improve the lives of their constituents. In a developed country this does not mean just ensuring that their basic needs are met but that we live in community where all people, no matter their background or financial situation, may have access to the benefits of a developed society and this includes our rich art culture.

I fear that admission prices and possible closure would close off the opportunity to enjoy these resources for those people, like myself, who may not have access otherwise.

I hope that in future Mr Halse may look upon the finances of Thelma Hulbert Gallery with a more sympathetic eye and with a greater understanding of the importance of free access to this wonderful resource to local people.

Karen Chave

Stockland