MADAM, Instead of the council spending money rebuilding the town hall in High Town, surely it would be better spending money giving existing buildings a face-lift.

We attended a dance at the Shirehall run by the Utility Gardens project. The evening on the whole was disappointing mainly due to the venue.

The main hall badly needed painting, the green paint throughout giving a cold and unwelcoming feeling, as indeed it was.

The heating is totally inadequate for the size of the room. There were no curtains at the very large window and no drapes at the stage.

The lighting was simple, bare light fittings, where I am sure once probably were lovely chandeliers.

We sat on cold metal chairs at metal tables. The whole effect was depressing. The Hereford Big Band did their best to provide the music for the dancing.

We have danced over the years in many town halls and assembly rooms in the south and south-west area, and our Shirehall is the worst in terms of appearance.

The ladies' toilet although very old-fashioned was the warmest room to be in! It is no wonder dances in Hereford use the main hall at the Hereford College for the Blind on a regular basis for dancing, as it is warm and comfortable, also it is no wonder that the Shirehall only seems to be used for sales etc.

I was also disappointed to read the National Cheese awards had been taken from Hereford because of the unsuitability of the Castle Green. Why was not the King George's Playing Field used for this event? Parking is available and caf and toilets are nearby.

Come on councillors wake up to the things Hereford has to offer now, and not spend money on new buildings which will probably be underused.

MRS P M CLEGG

Newton Farm, Hereford.