Soulless Sutton Needs Life

Culture vultures wanting to catch a foreign film or a band are travelling out of the borough because they say Sutton’s arts scene is a blank canvas.

A London Assembly survey has revealed Sutton residents do not have enough choice when it comes to watching independent and foreign films, with nine out of 10 being American.

And rock bands claim they are travelling as far as Camden and Farringdon because of a lack of live venues in town.

Meg Hillier, chair of the assembly’s culture committee, said: “Our concern is about the choice outside the West End.

“People want to see films other than blockbusters, but they have to travel miles to see them.” Sutton has one of the lowest screen counts per head of population – 3.3 per 100,000. Boroughs such as Westminster have nearly 40.

But a UCI spokesman said residents can see foreign films in Sutton, but most come to see blockbusters, with only film buffs wanting more.

Richard Riggs, guitarist from local band Culture Industry, said the music scene in Sutton has suffered the same fate.

He said: “I don’t think there’s anything particularly refined or cultured about Sutton.

“Bands like us are far more likely to get spotted in London than in Sutton or Epsom.” Music promoter Pete Feenstra said Sutton has to build audiences to rival those in the capital, but poor transport and few decent venues makes it difficult to develop a live scene.

He said: “There’s never been a lack of young music talent here, but live music in Sutton seems to be an almost novel concept. The culture is all wrong.” Councillor Leslie Coman, learning and leisure spokesman, said the council was looking at ways for musicians to showcase their talent.

She said: “I recognise live music is not very well covered. If musicians write to me personally, we can sort something out together.”