Plan to continue with closure of theatre approved

The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema has been shut since 26 September

A plan to continue with the closure of a theatre in Redhill after unstable concrete was discovered has been approved.

The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema closed in September after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was found.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has agreed an option for a "substantial reduction" in staff as well as developing a business case for providing arts and cultural activities in the area.

The authority also said there will not be a pantomime show at Christmas, due to the costs and challenges of not having a theatre venue, along with the risk of low ticket sales

Dozens of people attended a council meeting in Reigate to protest against the decision

The council previously said it had hoped the theatre would be closed temporarily, but the extent of the Raac in the building was too great.

There have been calls for a survey to find out the extent of the problems.

At the meeting of the executive on Thursday, 15 August, the Conservative leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Richard Biggs, said it is something they have been "pushing" for, but have not been able to do.

"The continuation of the performing arts within the borough is very important and I recognise that," he said.

Councillor Jonathan Essex, the Green Party group leader, said opposition councillors had decided to call the decision in, so that a cross party group could debate the proposals.

Reigate and Banstead Council says it is planning to hold public events in October to engage with the public.