Last month, the Council Cabinet finally decided to create a cinema facility at The Maltings Arts Theatre.

Hurrah, I hear you say. Cinema comes back at last to St Albans. And that’s probably what the current administration wants you to think.

But beware. This mini cinema won’t be showing the very latest releases immediately, and while the expenditure of over £400,000 of our money will include much-needed refurbishment of the entrance and hospitality areas, all this could come at a cost of another kind if the current live performances are lost.

The recent City Vision waxed lyrical about creating an Arts Centre – a place where a wide variety of tastes and interests could be celebrated and explored. If this sounds too optimistic, remember what other places have achieved – Colchester is a good example. So why not here in St Albans?

The Maltings Arts Theatre should therefore represent the first steps on our City Vision journey. If cinema starts to exclude opportunities for live performance at the venue, then we have problems.

This is why the Civic Society spoke out in favour of keeping real flexibility that can accommodate both cinema and live performance programmes. However, to attract quality artistes at affordable prices, seating for at last 180 patrons must be available, not just the 140-seater cinema proposed by the Council.

We know what we’re talking about. The Society includes several members of the fansofstan group, who has put on several sell-out gigs at the Maltings for local piano jazz god, Stan Tracey. Now the Council’s very own programme scheduler, recognising the value of this successful formula, is happy to work in association with a group such as fansofstan. Could this be the way forward?

And if it’s proof you’re wanting, take a look at the lively brochure for the current Maltings Arts Theatre season, which includes, on Saturday 26 March 2011, an appearance by award-winning jazz pianist David Newton and his Trio.

With live performance, this joint really can jump. And for St Albans, it is much too good to lose.

Eric Roberts To find out more about St Albans Civic Society, ring St Albans 834113 or visit www.stalbanscivicsociety.net