IT IS deplorable that Southampton’s councillors cannot think more creatively to solved their economic problems.

Royston Smith’s comment likening an artwork to a mass-produced car shows complete lack of understanding of the situation. These artworks are a legacy for our children and unlike a new car are irreplaceable. Southampton City Art Gallery has a reputation nationwide. The collection has been put together with great expertise over a long period, with the support of many benefactors.

Maybe only 200 can be shown at any one time, but the exhibitions are constantly changing. You must also not forget that Southampton is in a network of galleries and pieces from their collection are frequently displayed elsewhere as part of other exhibitions as artworks from other galleries are displayed here.

Selling these artworks is an easy solution to current economic problems. This can be seen as the beginning of the erosion of a unique collection. If sold, the artworks are likely to be bought by wealthy private collectors and lost as a resource for not only Southampton and our children but also the nation.

JANE GREEN, Southampton.