Theatre plan setback a drama, not a crisis! (From Western Telegraph)

Theatre plan setback a drama, not a crisis!

RENOVATION plans for the Torch Theatre may be dampened, but they are far from extinguished.

The Torch had hoped the final £2 million for the development would come from Objective One funding.

These hopes were dashed last week after six months on the reserve list.

But a theatre spokesman said talks with the Arts Council of Wales were expected to take place in the next few weeks.

"This is without doubt a setback and is very disappointing," he said.

"But as we are one of the main producing theatres in Wales, and central to the Arts Council's strategic plans. The development will go ahead."

Whether this will be on the same scale as the original £5.2 million project is yet to be decided.

Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales Nick Bourne is backing the project with a letter to the Arts Council requesting it takes urgent action to safeguard the future of the Torch Theatre.

He said: "This award winning theatre is in much need of refurbishment to continue to deliver its wide range of much acclaimed activities."