Fishguard’s Theatr Gwaun is “definitely not going to close” contrary to reports circulated last week.

The theatre and cinema was taken over by a community trust five years ago, after it was threatened with closure by Pembrokeshire County Council

Last week reports were circulated that the popular venue may have to close. However trust chairman, Richard Goswell has told the Western Telegraph that “there is absolutely no intention of closing now, not on my watch, but we do need support.”

He also said that, contrary to the reports, there was no question of running the theatre at a reduced capacity, showing older films, as it was under the council.

“I don’t want to go back it was like when we took over,” said Mr Goswell.

However he said that the venue did need support, both from the local community, the arts establishment and film distributors.

“Everybody thinks it is a roaring success,” he said. “We are punching above our weight, we are showing date of release films and live broadcasts from the National Theatre. But it’s a struggling success.”

Mr Goswell urged local people to support the theatre in whatever way they can, whether that is coming to see a film, volunteering or helping fundraise.

He said that, unlike other local arts establishments, Theatre Gwaun receives no general external funding, apart from an annual sum from the town council, and no Arts Council funding.

“Single screen cinemas in rural areas are dying across the UK and the mammoth film distributors are completely unconcerned, the Arts Council will have to step in to arrest this decline,” he said.

“We continue to struggle with the film distributors who treat all cinemas the same,” he said. “We are required to show day-of-release films up to 25 times, which for multi-screen complexes is no challenge but for us is a classic example of diminishing returns with our small catchment area.

“We continue to be disappointed by the failure of the arts establishment to recognise and reward the work of small rural theatres such as ours.”

However he said that it was “not all doom and gloom”.

“We are half way through the refurbishment of our Green Room and we have been given a grant by an old Fishguardian to broadcast live opera for the next three years,” he said.

“This year we have had 611 film showings, 38 live events and 17 live satellite transmissions. An amazing total of 16,250 visits to the theatre have taken place.”

The trust has submitted an application for community asset transfer the county councilIf this is granted it will provide access to a special fund allocated by the Big Lottery.

“Despite having recorded a small operating loss, the first in the history of the trust we remain optimistic,” said Mr Goswell.

He vowed to continue Theatr Gwaun on its upward trajectory and appealed to anyone who could help to get in touch.

“It’s hard work and we need all the support we can get,” he said. “We will do everything in our power to keep bringing good cinema, theatre and live satellite to the community because they deserve it. Anyone in the community who has ideas, spare time and enthusiasm please come and see us.”