WITH its future put in doubt last year when a £1million budget deficit called for savage cuts by the council, Burnley's ailing Mechanics Theatre might now find salvation in a link-up with the private sector.

For though in the past it put Burnley at the forefront of local authority arts and entertainment in the North, it has since become a drain on council cash.

It badly needs a new lease of life that makes it more attractive -- and, above all, viable. For at present every ticket sold costs the council more than £10 in subsidies. Clearly, this is a situation that is not sustainable.

It is to be hoped then that the plan unveiled by the council to save it, the under-achieving theatre succeeds -- both for the sake of taxpayers and retaining a major cultural asset.

The strategy includes finding a private-sector partner to run the bar and catering facilities, transforming the foyer area into a smaller venue for performances and greater promotion of the complex.

In short, the aim is to make the Mechanics more attractive, busier and self-supporting. But it is an ambition that cannot be left solely with the council or the new partners it is looking for.

For if the people of Burnley want to retain this entertainments venue, they must make the fullest use of it.