Taunton Deane Borough Council puts £35,000 towards the Brewhouse Theatre

Taunton Deane Borough Council have decided to set aside extra cash to help protect the Brewhouse Theatre.

The Council's Scrutiny Committee has agreed that £35,000 can be used from underspend to allow the Council to react quickly if necessary.

The money should help protect the property and help obtain professional advice on the best way forward for the facility.

Councillor John Williams, Leader of the Council, said: "It's right to set aside money to help any future project to bring The Brewhouse back into use as soon as possible.

"This sum of £35,000 would help to facilitate a sustainable future for the theatre as an important cultural venue."

He added: "In recent days people have shown they really do care about The Brewhouse.

"We want to harness that support as we are committed to high quality arts provision in Taunton and will play an active role in any discussions on finding a way forward for The Brewhouse as quickly as possible."

The decision to set aside the money won cross party support.

Councillor Jefferson Horsley, who chairs the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, said it had been tragic to witness the theatre's closure, adding: "The future of The Brewhouse and the arts is vital to us all."

The Council has plans to work with local groups and Arts Council England to try to find ways forward for the venue as a financially viable hub for arts and culture locally.

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