Bus view best feature of Vaf

The most persuasive commentator, though, has been Andrew Graham- Dixon, of BBC2’s the Culture Show.

Opening with the words “It’s got the wow factor and it’s got the Gordon Bennett factor”, he went on to show various highlights of the show, and then dwelt admiringly on the Vaf ’s best feature – the view from the cafe terrace on to the bus station below, where at busy times you see the constant movement of buses in a cramped space.

Those who have visited the Tate Modern in London will remember the view from the top floor cafe of the movement of boats up and down the Thames. For me, this is always a pleasing interval during a visit to the many art displays.

Here in Colchester, our bus station must absolutely stay where it is now. Not only because it is needed there, which of course it is, but because the view of movement provides a welcome antidote to the austerity of the Vaf’s hopelessly impractical empty sloping walls.

Tim Oxton
Creffield Road
Colchester

...We are told 3,000 people visited the Vaf on its First day – it is billed as a great success.

On the previous day 3,103 people watched Colchester United at the Community Stadium – sort of panic as it was the lowest gate of the season!

The 3,000 who, it is said, attended the Vaf did not have to pay admission.

The 3,103 who watched the U’s had to pay to get in (adult price range £19 to £27).

The Vaf gets an annual subsidy from the public purse of £800,000.

The U’s get no subsidy from the public purse.

I am further told operators of the Vaf do not have to pay rent and get a hefty discount as a charity on business rates.

The U’s have to pay a rent of £300,000 a year to the council – and get no discount on business rates.

Finally, the Vaf was £10million over budget and, at £26million, cost almost double the community stadium.

The Vaf was three years late. The community stadium was built on time and on budget.

Bob Russell
MP for Colchester
Magdalen Hall
Wimpole Road
Colchester