What I find strange about Brighton and Hove City Council's determination to become a Capital of Culture (does it seriously think we are going to get this without a library or major theatre?) is its reluctance to actively support the arts the city already has and, in some cases, is at risk of losing.

The Duke of York's cinema offers a great selection of films the bland multiplexes ignore. If we lost the Duke, it would be a great shame for the many people who consider it one of the best things about the city.

The Duke claims it needs to expand its premises to remain financially viable. This will no doubt drag on in the bureaucracy that is planning permission and the owners may well decide to cut their losses and close. Why can't the council embrace the cinema and offer it funding, thereby giving us a great cultural venue 365 days of the year?

David Morley (Duke of York's member for 19 years) Leahurst Court Road,

-Brighton