Volunteers concerned for Darwen Library Theatre's future
7:30pm Thursday 28th January 2010 in
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- By Catherine Pye » Reporter
COUNCIL chiefs have moved to reassure volunteers that services will not be reduced at Darwen Library Theatre.
The volunteers had raised concerns amid fears that manager Steve Burch was being redeployed to Blackburn.
The Knott Street venue, which opened in its current form in January 2000, currently employs Mr Burch full-time, and he is backed by the team of volunteers.
Blackburn with Darwen Council said that although a staff review was under way, it was too early to say if there would be changes to staffing at the theatre.
Steve Rigby, director of culture, leisure and sport said: “We would not comment on individual members of staff and it is too early in the review to discuss whether or not there will be changes at the theatre.
“However, we can assure theatre users and volunteers that the level of service provided by the council will not be reduced.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers who work tirelessly to help with the smooth running of the venue.”
But volunteer Don Banks said the review had left people worried.
He said: “Volunteers cannot take responsibility for more than 200 members of public without a manager.
“We want to know what the future is for Darwen Library Theatre.
"We’ve heard that due to cost-cutting at Blackburn with Darwen Council, the manager is being moved to King George’s Hall and we’re going to be left with just volunteers.
“And even if he took on a dual role with both venues, it wouldn’t work.
“If there’s no manager, then there’ll be no volunteers.
“Darwen Library Theatre is one of the best venues we have in this town, and the only picture place we have. It’s vital that it stays open.”
Comments(7)
Private I
says...
11:27pm Thu 28 Jan 10
Davidoff wrote:God what an idiot!
So, if and when it's closed or, erm, 'cut' where will the funds be redirected to? I mean, that's what 'cuts' are really all about? Or is it because Darwen chose to go independent from Blackburn? This is the price Darwen has to pay for doing so - losing some of it's more vital community services. Won't be the first, won't be the last. Oh, yes, there is a new leisure centre ... we shall see how long it is before that faces 'cuts' and runs into financial difficulties over time.
The Tory, Liberals and For Darwen fools who run the Council were told when they took control and increased the cost of the new Leisure Centre that cuts would have to be made elsewhere in the Leisure Budget. Withdrawal of funding from the Library Theatre is a pittance and is the thin edge of a very big wedge.
The strong rumours are that a big facility like Waves or Shadsworth will have to go to pay for the incompetence of Michael Law- Riding and his colleagues building something in Darwen that will lose money from day one when it opens.
streetlife
says...
11:36pm Thu 28 Jan 10
david newton
says...
9:41am Fri 29 Jan 10
As an ex member of the now defunct Darwen Arts Council and the Library Players (still going strong I believe) I know only too well how important the Library Theatre is to the town.
Don Banks comments that its one of a few venues in town, well personally Donald, I think it’s the only decent venue in Darwen worth a look at.
In the days of the Arts Council we ran the Theatre with the help of the Library Staff Mary Grogan and Stella Barclay and it worked perfectly well, however we were all volunteers, but now things have changed the theatre is a professional working theatre and needs a manager.
So Blackburn Council keep your thieving hands off the manager and make your cut backs in Blackburn you always have had a bigger bit of the cherry.
Perhaps the new Darwen Parish Council should take over this “Jewel in the Crown” after all it could be used as the council’s meeting place also. JUST A THOUGHT.
But as Don Banks says, “NO MANAGER” “NO VOLUNTEERS”, strong words Donald let’s hope the Powers that Be LISTEN TO YOU.
It would be a sad loss if the Library Theatre had to close, it’s up to the public of Darwen to make sure it don’t, so get off your backsides and have a go at your local town Councillor, after all the majority are all for Darwen aren’t they.
Private I
says...
11:12am Fri 29 Jan 10
david newton
says...
11:48am Fri 29 Jan 10
A R S E.
whereistedward
says...
10:55pm Fri 29 Jan 10
david newton wrote:It's actually worse than this...an extra Executive Board post was created by the Tories / Lib-Dems & 'For Darwen' to 'accommodate' Councillor Melia. His 'role' used to be undertaken by the Leader of the Council, - the cost of this extra post is about £20k including the extra deputy created. Labour voted against this move.
My god do we need two deputy leaders for an inept council. One wonders what they cost you the council tax payer of DARWEN. Get rid of one deputy leader and the savings will pay for the Library theatre. FOR DARWEN PARTY MY A R S E.
In this role Councillor Melia has not brought one report to the Executive Board - he is the only Executive Board Member (holding a portfolio) not to bring a report.
But that was the price the Tories / Lib-Dems paid for his support to prop them up in power. It's a scandal really, - but no-one seems interested.
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NO LAUGHING MATTER: Charlie Cheesecake (Peter Rowell) and Teabags the Clown (Caroll Pye) are just two performers who have entertained audiences at the Library Theatre.
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Davidoff says...
10:57pm Thu 28 Jan 10