Letter to the editor: I live in Gravesend, a small fairly insignificant town on the Thames with an amazing history. It boasts one of the oldest six-day chartered markets, formed in 1268. St George’s Church is said to have the remains of the famed Princess Pocahontas and Samuel Pepys stopped by in 1650.

In the early 19th century, it was the holiday destination of many Londoners heading for the prestigious Windmill Hill and Rosherville Gardens with its Gothic theatre, which included restaurant, ballroom, and theatre with an outside stage.

The Grand Theatre in Harmer Street also was another venue for variety and entertainment.

There were three former cinemas that have all sadly shut down.

Gravesend also has links with major industries such as shipping, cement and paper.

Unfortunately, as with many small outer city towns, it has fallen into decline. With the large Bluewater shopping mall and large supermarkets nearby, many shops find it difficult to survive and it is a sad reflection on its former glory.

However, the future is potentially brighter with Ebbsfleet international station close by.

There is promise of a theme park possible and likely to be built. Some investments are planned for regeneration of the market. We are also embracing a huge multi-cultural community that is expanding, bringing diversity and growth.

Now to the point of this letter. It has recently been drawn to my attention that the last cinema to close down has had planning permission to be turned into yet another gym and flats. What this community would benefit from is somewhere to come together.

What I as a mother of a 12-year-old who is learning to play instruments, a secretary to a local amateur orchestra and someone that travels to London and Brighton to see shows and small events have imagined is this venue could be part of a vision that I and others have had for our community.

Somewhere that is for our community, where children and adults can gather and classes can be held under one roof for all the arts.

A venue that is big enough and purpose-built, allowing anything from the small local bands to the largest of local orchestras, from the amateur drama class to the local artist, where the community has control and young and old can showcase their talents and be encouraged and have fun together in a safe environment.

If we were a large supermarket, property developer or food chain we would know who to contact, what strings to pull and have the money to invest.

If you can help either by suggesting ways of making this a reality, by financially supporting or by pointing me in the correct direction, I would be very grateful. As, I am sure, would my local community.

MRS JO WATTS, Gravesend