SINCE moving to Morecambe last year I have found the local weekly newspapers such as the Citizen of particular interest and value.

Indeed, reading them has confirmed my view that Morecambe has real cause for optimism at last

The weeklies do seem unanimously supportive of crucial initiatives such as West End regeneration, the Tern Project, Urban Splash's Midland Hotel intentions and the re-opening of The Winter Gardens.

I'm an active member of The Friends of The Winter Gardens at a crucial time in a long campaign. Manning recent stalls in The Arndale and Morrison's showed me just how many people love this theatre and long to sit there and be entertained or act, sing and dance on its famous stage.

Locally and nationally Morecambe and The Winter Gardens is news. All who have become Friends, bought planks, or contributed in other ways follow every report of progress with sympathetic concern.

But I have in recent weeks been taken aback by reports of proposals relating to The Winter Gardens derived from sources other than The Friends, and am sure readers would appreciate a clear line of distinction between reports of The Friends progress sourced from the committee and other stories about The Victoria Pavilion.

Perhaps this is the most apt way in which our local weekly papers may exemplify their support for The Friends and those who simply love the building as an old friend.

Ray Wilcockson, Morecambe.