Theatre protest to show 'community passion'

Protesters, pictured last November, hope to save the Prince of Wales Theatre

Campaigners fighting to protect an under-threat theatre in Staffordshire have said a protest outside a council meeting is a chance to show the strength of community feeling for the venue.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock was earmarked for closure last year to reduce a £1.3m gap in the council budget and is currently shut while regeneration work takes place nearby.

Last month, a report for Cannock Chase District Council "categorically ruled out" a bid by a local group to run the theatre.

The local authority is meeting at 18:00 BST on Thursday to consider whether or not to proceed with a community asset transfer.

Members of the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust said they would be protesting outside the Civic Centre from 17:30 in a bid to protect the theatre's future.

Well over 100 people staged a similar protest outside the council headquarters in November to voice their opposition to the closure when the proposals were announced.

'Cultural heart of community'

A spokesperson for Cannock Chase Theatre Trust said people would be peacefully demonstrating "to show the strength of community passion for saving our theatre".

"This is our chance to show decision-makers that the people of Cannock care deeply about protecting our cultural heart," they said.

"We're not here to cause disruption - we're here to be heard. This may be our last chance to save the cultural heart of our community."

The trust had put forward proposals to run the venue, however, an independent evaluation for the council, while commending the trust's vision said millions of pounds was needed to refurbish the theatre and the council would be at risk if the group could not break even.

The report to this week's cabinet meeting said the closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre was a "difficult decision" made amid the council's "challenging financial position".

"Understandably this was disappointing to residents, and approaches were made to the council to consider transferring the theatre as a Community Asset Transfer," it said.

"To be able to proceed with a Community Asset Transfer a suitable partner would be required who could develop a robust business plan and approach to running the theatre.

"The transfer could only proceed if the partner was able to demonstrate they could run a sustainable theatre, with no subsidy from the council, which would benefit the local community."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.