I read with interest the article in last week’s Gazette. What an excellent idea to bring a dance studio to Dursley, but why put it all the way out on the A38 when we already have suitable premises in Dursley?

The Chantry Centre is in the middle of Dursley, close to all amenities and parking. Parents could do a bit of shopping while their offspring are learning to tap dance!

The Chantry has a stage and a large sprung Dance floor eminently suitable for dancing. The hall is already a popular venue for groups like Just Jive and Lindy Hop. There are several underused spaces that would readily convert to studio and changing rooms with a pleasant café and garden at the rear of the building.

Having a dance facility in town would financially help support the Chantry as a Community Centre for events like Warm and Well and support the theatre and arts, the DODS being a hirer of the 300-seat theatre several times a year for amateur performances.

Converting underused facilities in the centre of Dursley would still be certain to give the area a lift, would be less costly and would be a more eco-friendly approach, wouldn’t it?

Angela Jones

Cam