In view of our new council's intention to work for the regeneration of Croydon I was amazed they should plan to withdraw their grant from such a valuable cultural resource as the Warehouse Theatre - the one venue in south London which provides a showcase for new and innovative drama.

It has been doing so for almost 30 years. I remember the days when it was a lunchtime theatre sharing premises with a nightclub.

The one act plays shown then were always original and exciting. It is also home of the International Playwriting Festival, which could bring great prestige to Croydon, particularly when the Warehouse moves to new and larger premises.

If the Warehouse does not survive, all of Croydon and south east London will be poorer for it.

H COLLIS Tennyson Close Old Coulsdon