YOUR correspondents write in strong terms and with justification, regarding the closure of the Lewis Textile Museum (LET, March 7), but nothing has been mentioned in reference to the upstairs exhibition gallery there.

We, along with other societies and individuals displaying the visual arts, are now to be seriously affected by the lack, on one level, of a permanent valuable reminder of the town's main industry, and on the other level, of an excellent gallery to exhibit work of groups which form part of the culture of the community, thus affording mutual access, i.e. visiting both at the same time.

Had it not been for the generosity of spirit by museum staff to accommodate us elsewhere on this occasion, then expensive arrangements for our spring exhibition would have had to be abandoned.

Much is said by the council about nurturing and upholding of cultural enterprise, but much is also said about dispensing with facilities in which that enterprise can develop and prosper.

DOROTHY WHALLEY (Mrs), Vice-chairman, Blackburn Artists' Society.