'Why Cannock’s Prince of Wales Theatre deserves to be saved' - your letters, plus a 2017 chess moment from the archives

Our theatres are so important

How lovely it was to read the Nostalgia page in the Express & Star, “Pictures celebrating theatre and its life across our region from our archives.” 

It made the very important point of pointing out their importance to all of us. It stated quite clearly the role of local groups who play an important role in our communities, something that seems to be slipping away from us. The theatres certainly are hubs of community life, celebrating local talent and giving laughter and merriment to us all who attend these much needed places.

Being a resident of Cannock Chase for over 40 years myself, my family and friends have been to many shows over the years at The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them, a great local theatre on our own doorstep. I know many other people like ourselves who do not just go to the theatre and then go back home but have a meal locally before the shows and use the local pubs, all part of having valuable time together and putting smiles on our faces.

I understand that a decision by the council, although delayed is to demolish the theatre. 

Many of us cannot understand this ridiculous decision and surely is now going to have an adverse effect on other eateries and bars in the town. 

I presume that we will now be travelling to Lichfield or Stafford to see shows at their theatres, together with spending our money in their towns.

Cannock is becoming a ghost town and has a very good theatre that seats over 400 people, all it needs is the will of the decision makers to see sense and save it?

Andy Fones, Cannock

Parcels aren’t much better

Re. the Star front page “What’s happened to all of our post?”. My daughter's partner posted a parcel on January 6 with a 48 hour delivery which cost extra. This parcel went to Somerset and back to Newcastle on Tyne twice and back to their own flat. It was sent again by the postman who delivered it there. Having made several more detours it arrived in Oswestry on Saturday, January 24. If that's prioritising parcels, God help the people waiting for letters.

Janet Owen, Oswestry

Sorry to good folk of Iceland

In my letter of January 22 regarding the lunatics being in charge I said Iceland instead Greenland so I would like to apologise to all I may have offended.

Pete Lowe, Brierley Hill

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