COMMENTING on the proposal to close the Pier Theatre (‘Theatre closure: It’s up to them’, Daily Echo, June 2), Councillor Beesley said that it had to be recognised that live entertainment was well catered for in Bournemouth and beyond, while wet-weather family attractions were ‘less abundant’.

Now isn’t that rich given that it was in 2004 that Bournemouth Council, in its wisdom, decided to close the swimming pool at the BIC – the only place in Bournemouth where families could enjoy the water during inclement weather?

As far as the Pier Theatre closure is concerned – the low audience figures (and the same goes for the Pavilion) are due to the fact that seat prices are far too high – making the cost of attending a performance for a family in the region of £100 or more.

Theatre half full? Reduce ticket prices, fill the seats and at the same time increase revenue with extra sales of refreshments.

ROBERT READMAN, Bournemouth