I have to disagree with Paul Furness (City has lost so much culture, Letters, November 26) that the city lacks a vibrant cultural scene.

Some of the older attractions have gone, but they have been replaced by new and exciting developments, including:

• Takeover Theatre, where a dedicated group of young people programmed the city’s theatre for three weeks

• the award-winning Grand Tour Exhibition livening up our streets

• the Illuminating York Festival helping more than 30,000 people discover York’s heritage after dark

• the annual Big City Read with more than 5,000 people involved

• the fantastic world music programme at the National Centre for Early Music

• a Festive First Night, with ice sculptures and a children’s lantern parade

• the council arts team winning two national awards for their work on Big Draw

• Forty-eight per cent of schools with ArtsMark awards (as opposed to 12 per cent nationally)

None of this could have been achieved without the welcome input from a wide range of partners right across the cultural sector. We know that the role of arts and culture within the regeneration and economic agenda cannot be underestimated by anyone. For more information about our vibrant cultural sector, Mr Furness should visit yortime.org.uk/ and even subscribe to our Yortime News. However, if he or others believes we should be doing more, then I invite him to make his views known through our current consultation process on the 2010/2011 budget. This is available at york.gov.uk/consultation/

Coun Nigel Ayre, Executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, City of York Council, Guildhall, York.