Thousands sign petition to save South Street Arts Centre in Reading

Reading Borough Council said it was undertaking a review of the council's buildings

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a council re-think on closing an arts centre in Reading.

Reading council is considering closing South Street Arts Centre while at the same time planning a "year of culture".

Petition organisers Alt-Reading said the centre's closure would be "a huge loss to Reading's arts community".

Councillors say the centre is part of a list of buildings and services under threat due to a £39m budget cut over three years.

Rachel Goswell of Reading shoegaze band Slowdive also signed the petition

More than 3,000 people have signed the petition since the possible closure was announced on Friday.

Rachel Goswell, of Reading band Slowdive, also signed and tweeted: "Really vital arts centre in my home town! Reading Borough Council: don't close South Street Arts Centre".

Labour-run Reading Borough Council said it was forced to make big cuts across the board because of Conservative central government austerity measures.

A spokesman said: "Part of the proposals for finding the required £39m of savings over the next three years is a review of the council's buildings and looking at where property could be sold and the proceeds used to help fund frontline services.

"This includes an appraisal of how the eclectic and vibrant programme currently offered at South Street can be delivered in the most cost effective way.

"No decision has been made about the future of South Street and closure is only one of a number of options to be considered by councillors."

He added: "The council is proud to be supporting a Year of Culture for Reading in 2016, remains dedicated to providing space for the arts, but is being forced to review all the services it delivers in the face of unprecedented cuts to its budget by the government."