I WAS horrified to discover the proposal by East Cambs District Council to end their partnership with ADeC, and for the council to provide for the arts in house instead! This shows complete disregard for the valuable work that ADeC do, and the 20 years

I WAS horrified to discover the proposal by East Cambs District Council to end their partnership with ADeC, and for the council to provide for the arts 'in house' instead! This shows complete disregard for the valuable work that ADeC do, and the 20 years of building up a presence in Ely well supported by a network of volunteers. ADeC's ongoing relationship with external funding bodies enables them source match funding for many projects. An in-house arts delivery body would be unlikely to attract this added value, both in terms of externally sourced funding and the commitment from volunteers.

As a visual artist I am well aware of the quality of work that is shown at the Babylon Gallery attracting international artists such as Paula Rego and Storm Thorgerson, as well as giving gallery space to community and ideas based artists such as myself. There are no other similar venues locally. The gallery also attracts many visitors to Ely - people travel here to see exhibitions.

I am currently working for ADeC as a mentor for young travellers producing documentary artwork about their lives, as well as guiding them through the Arts Award scheme to bronze level. This is only a small portion of the work ADeC do to give access to arts and meaningful opportunities to some of the most deprived people in our community, and particularly to young people for whom there is little other provision.

ADeC also give immense pleasure and delight to myself, my family, my friends through the many events they run in Ely- cinema, theatre, exhibitions and the Eel day to name but a few.

ADeC is made up of a team of extremely dedicated staff and volunteers with a wealth of expertise in art, film, music, community engagement and have ability to deliver the broadest, richest cultural experience for such a small and underfunded organisation. Without ADeC Ely would be a cultural wasteland.

I am writing to ask the council to reject this proposal.

EMILY HAYSOM

Deacons Lane, Ely