IT is heartening that, at long last, the Empire Theatre in Burnley may open again, as I have many happy memories of it in its heyday, having trod the boards and watched films there.

This theatre is steeped in history and should be preserved, since it is the only genuine theatre left in Burnley as the Mechanics wasn't built as a theatre and has never been really suitable for shows, owing to its limited capacity of only 425 seats.

We are badly in need of something larger, with a bigger stage, and more dressing rooms, which the Empire has.

If all the societies and their benefactors form a trust and help to refurbish this historical, listed building, using volunteer craftsmen like they did with the Hippodrome in Colne, it can be restored in all its glory and seat 800 or more.

The Grand in Blackpool was saved by such methods and a similar scheme has come to fruition in Blackburn, with the Thwaites Theatre at Ewood.

We must grab this opportunity with both hands, as Colne has proved it can be done. They have three theatres including the Municipal Hall. So now that the Empire has been bought for the unbelievable sum of £25,000, together with a grant and charity, we can do it.

BRIAN WATSON, Rosehill Road, Burnley.