IN REPLY to G W McLelland (Letters, July 29) I would like to point out that there are already a number of art groups in Morecambe, including professional, contemporary and amateur artists.

One such group is AIM, a project group that has been going for five years and has regular exhibitions locally and nationally.

We, like others in the area, have already explored the possibilities of setting up studios, workshops and gallery spaces in Morecambe and the main problem has always been sustainable funding and lack of suitable spaces.

If funding is sought the influential omnipotence of the Arts Council along with county and city council arts planning strategies usually curtail even the humblest of ideals.

To fly in the face of convention? Yes we've tried that too. Where, for instance, are the empty buildings to rent? You'll find the council owns most of them and private landlords are only interested in profit.

We tried to rent space at the Storey Institute two years ago the rental for just three rooms totalling 740 sq. ft was £1,630. Then there's the service charge of £2,200 plus rates of £999 Is it any wonder that many of the artists who get recognition are ones who have the money to buy it?

Forget studio space and start saving up and rent space in the new hub for creative industries when it opens at the Storey. If you can't afford that do what I do sleep on a mattress on the floor and turn your flat into a studio.

Deserving artists of any worth can, of course, join AIM by calling 01524-847530.

Chris Amriding, Lancaster.