IN response to the article "Free Tickets Plan Slammed" (LET, October 31), I would like to clarify a few points which were inaccurate.

At no time has ratepayers' money been used to foot the bill for the initiative.

The marketing initiative identified in the article was sponsored by the European-funded Tourism and Arts Project, in buying a specific number of tickets from Burnley Mechanics for the performance, and taking responsibility for their distribution.

With audiences being historically low for contemporary dance at the Burnley Mechanics, the targeting of 'The Pain of Aspirations' performances is a conscious effort to attract new people to the theatre.

As with many similar audience development initiatives undertaken by numerous arts organisations across the country, the scheme is not a gimmick to prop up a failed performance, but a long term commitment to giving targeted groups the chance to sample the excitement and vibrancy of the theatre.

The initiative is trying to turn new attendees into regular theatre-goers, and is certainly not an elaborate ploy to make a theatre look full for a one-off show.

We are hopeful that this pilot scheme will be successful, and are convinced that only three implementing similar initiatives nationally will the qualities and excitement of theatre be accessed by wider sections of the community.

COUNCILLOR BARRY GUTTRIDGE, chairman, recreation and leisure committee, Burnley Council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.