COUNCILS will not be asked for more cash to support Mid Pennine Arts next year.

The organisation has a quarter of a million pound turnover and is heading for a near £3,000 loss taking the arts to the people in the present programme.

It was considering asking for a three per cent grants rise from Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Rossendale and Todmorden councils, whose areas it serves.

Instead it has decided to seek only the same subscriptions from local authorities which, together with Lancashire county, provided £78,000 funding this year.

"We realise the severe difficulties councils are having balancing their own budgets and thought it right only to ask for a standstill next year in the circumstances," said Mid Pennine director Nick Hunt.

"It will not be the first time we have faced this situation and although it becomes harder and harder for us to balance the books, we now have a tradition of prudent management which ensures we continue to give good value for money without running into financial difficulties."

Mr Hunt said Mid-Pennine had been successful in increasing its earned income, but arts bodies grants were always being squeezed.

Lottery and government cash aid were aimed at buildings and projects, rather than supporting the core activities of organisations like Mid Pennine.

Mr Hunt added: "Things get harder and harder each year but we are in good shape to meet the challenge."

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