Protests Over Cuts to Norwich Arts: Puppet Theatre Threatened

7.22.00pm GMT Sun 20th Jan 2008

Writing in the Evening News, following the rally and march through Norwich protesting against proposed cuts to arts, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Simon Wright said:

"What a brilliant turnout for Saturday's march against the proposed cuts to our local arts organisations. Despite the miserable weather, local people turned out in force to support the demonstration.

Well done to the performers and speakers who rallied the huge crowd, and the Norwich Samba Band, puppeteers, and others who led us on the march. Shoppers stopped and supported the protest, with some even joining us.

The Evening News has also been fantastic throughout in giving such strong support to local voices.

I really hope that the Arts Council England will have taken notice of what people have to say about these cuts. There is a general feeling that their whole approach and process has been wrong. Why has there been no debate, either with the public or, worse still, with the organisations themselves? Why has the notice of these savage cuts been so short?

People involved in the local arts add much to Norfolk's culture, and we are so fortunate to have the unique creativity of Norwich Puppet Theatre. It seems madness for Arts Council England to threaten all that is being achieved within our local communities."