CLAIMS were today made that another Southend theatre could face its final curtain after a decision by council bosses.

Just weeks after the closure of the Palace Theatre, the New Empire Theatre could face a similar fate according to manager Julie Robertson.

The theatre, in Alexandra Street, was yesterday ordered by Southend Council to remove "unacceptable" security shutters, installed three years ago to stop late-night revellers urinating on and defacing the building and to ward off burglars.

But because the roller doors don't conform to the council's specifications and were installed without planning permission councillors on the development control committee voted in favour of their removal.

Published Thursday, December 1, 2005