I AM always interested in Colin Hall’s opinion, all the more so of late when as a party member he has often been critical of the Labour group (Letters, January 26).

However, I was surprised to be singled out for backing the sale of York Theatre Royal to York Conservation Trust when most councillors also support the deal.

The theatre was sold for £1 but is not going to a commercial operator; it is going to an organisation with a record of looking after our city’s buildings superbly.

It is the need to safeguard assets in a prudent way that led to me supporting the sale of the theatre, but equally supporting the Conservative members who said more answers were needed at the Guildhall call-in.

If Colin wants more openness on the process of council asset sales and better prices being obtained, then he has my group’s full support.

At cabinet I emphasised the process for many sales had been poor and much work was needed, but in the case of the theatre, given the buyer, I remain happy with the sale.

Cllr Chris Steward, Conservative group leader, City of York Council.