I WAS pleased to read that the English Symphony Orchestra is to take up residence in Hereford (January 21). However, it is rather unfortunate that Hereford does not have a decent concert hall in which they can perform or where they can work with students of the college and local schools to develop musical activity in the county.

A good concert hall would be an asset to the Three Choirs Festival which has to take place in quite unsuitable venues and would help to attract leading musicians to the city at other times of the year. Many towns much smaller than Hereford have a concert hall and the proposed bid to be 'city of culture' will look rather silly if we have a resident orchestra but nowhere for them to play.

Rather than spend millions on an unnecessary refurbishment of High Town the council might start the fundraising by putting the money towards a more worthwhile project such as a purpose-built concert hall.

BARBARA HALL

Croft Road

Clehonger

Hereford