I would have thought anyone with any sense would know that one does not get themselves out of debt by spending more millions, especially in this current recession.

Although I for one did agree that Whitley Bay Playhouse did need updating I am sure that £8.5m was a totally ridiculous amount to spend when Whitley Bay is so in need of vastly being improved in many other areas to make it once again a pleasant seaside resort.

Ms Green seems to think spending vast amounts of money will help us get through this current economic climate and although every one knows that all things have to be renewed why should we have to always spend to excess. Does she not realise that ultimately there will be a pay back time and this could prove to be a legacy of considerable taxation for future generations.

Hopefully Linda Arkley will be a prudent Mayor and curtail the prolific spending habits of the previous administration. This should eventually lead to lower council tax rises which in turn will reverse the trend of higher than inflation council tax increases which have continued unabated for a number of years.

I wish Linda Arkley every success in the future and speaking for all the other thousands of people who voted for her we look forward to seeing her continue all the good work she began when she was previously in office.

S CROFT
Cullercoats.