I READ with interest your article in the Chronicle of March 5 regarding the proposals for an 'Isleworth hub', which will combine the library and pool with the opening of a new cafe.

You had quotes from John Laing and Hounslow Council, which will run the new centre, claiming that as the usage of libraries is going down they would like this project to encourage more people to use the new building and have a commitment to invest in the borough's libraries. Surely these statements smack of double standards?

I am, of course, referring to Cafe Oasis at Hounslow Library. This popular and busy cafe closed down last May and shows no sign of reopening. Instead of opening a new cafe in Isleworth, why not make this one a priority? This means the public toilets at the cafe are also no longer in use for library customers. This is so stressful for disabled, older people and those with children who now have to troop all the way across the Treaty Centre to use the ones there as it is not always possible to use the facilities in Debenhams.

I can remember when the Hounslow Library complex opened in 1988 amid a blaze of publicity. The Paul Robeson Theatre was the 'jewel in the crown' and many stars from TV and the music industry performed there. I have spent many an enjoyable evening in this theatre being entertained by the acts who were popular at that time, I particularly remember seeing Des O'Connor there. The annual Christmas pantomime stopped being performed there five years ago and, since then, the theatre has gone downhill and only opens for the occasional local performance.

You also had a report in the Chronicle claiming that Hounslow has come out on top of the league of all the London boroughs as having the highest number of borrowers.

This is very impressive and something to be proud of. I know we are all experiencing the effects of the economic downturn, but we need to be cheered up. Let's get Cafe Oasis up and running again - the customers are there, so there's no need to start again from scratch and build up a new clientele. As for the Paul Robeson Theatre, I hope it can be saved and the people of Hounslow can enjoy going along to performances there again soon.

KITTY MASWELL Brookwood Road, Hounslow.