I read with interest and pleasure Don Jones’ excellent article ‘County must embrace change’ (June 26). I’m the director quoted in it. I support the project wholeheartedly and I support it because Devizes needs a well thought out and considered community space.

We are a town with a massive heart and a wonderful culture. But we have inadequate community facilities and that has to change.

One element of the plans being refused is that the planners didn’t see that there was a ‘need’ for it in Devizes. Having been part of something special in St Mary’s, I have seen and experienced the need for it. Three hundred people in Devizes were at the theatre on two nights in May – that in itself was amazing.

I’m part of The Invitation Theatre Company, so have a vested interesting in having a home. We are one of more than 20 theatre, arts and music groups in the town, none of whom have a home either.

There’s the Wharf Theatre, which is a really lovely and special venue but it’s not a civic centre (ie, bookable by just anyone), and there’s the Corn Exchange, which isn’t all that suitable for either small or full-scale productions. But it’s not just about theatre, it’s about an innovative space with fantastic facilities right in the centre of the town that anyone can book and use, be that for arts or community. Imagine what having it there would bring to the town.

When we did Jesus Christ Superstar in the church, which we did from scratch by building a stage and putting in the most fantastic lighting on a really tiny budget, the town was alive. Local businesses got on board and offered deals in their restaurants and I believe one establishment took £750 in an hour and a half when the cast and crew descended one evening. If you create the need people will come.

St Mary’s Trust Devizes is fighting for something extraordinary for the whole town of Devizes to use.

Yes it’s change and it’s using a very distinctive and unique space for a very different use, but St Mary’s currently has a congregation of six, once a week. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be a place of worship, just that it changes and is used so it doesn’t decay. If you, like me, see the need for St Mary's to be a truly awesome space, then please write a letter of support for the appeal on August 6 and give it to the trust to submit on the day.

Jemma Brown, Sarum Drive, Devizes.