Fears for the future of Southend's Palace Theatre were raised today after its council subsidy was slashed by more than £100,000.
Subsidy cut - Westcliff's Palace Theatre
Staff claim jobs could be lost as the Ewardian theatre, in London Road, Westcliff, became the latest casualty of spending cuts at Southend Council.
David Cooper, Southend theatres manager, said: "We have been told we will have to make savings but have been given no definite amount.
"We are considering our options as to how we can make those cuts and we will discuss them with the council."
A source at the Palace claims management had talks with staff and warned cuts could force the theatre to close, if not for good then for long periods during the year, and there may be job losses.
Management said the Palace was taking too much money away from the Cliffs Pavilion and they would rather keep the Cliffs open out of the two venues because it made more money.
Published Tuesday January 20, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article