Dismay over council decision to reject Cannock's Prince of Wales Theatre proposal

At a testy meeting on Thursday night Cannock Chase Council cabinet members voted not to proceed with a community asset transfer of the arts venue which closed its doors in April as part of the authority's budget savings plan to close a £1.3 million gap in the current financial year. 

Cannock Chase Theatre Trust had put forward proposals for the future operation of the theatre, but an independent evaluation of the trust's community asset transfer proposal, carried out by Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) on behalf of the council, recommended it was not viable. 

 Opposition Tory group leader Councillor Olivia Lyons, who was allowed to address the cabinet in an unusual move, said: "I fundamentally believe this decision is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about fairness, transparency and the future of our community. The trust was asked to step up at the very last moment with no access to past council - data, no ability to secure charitable status without confirmation of transfer, and just three weeks to prove themselves.

"Yet despite these barriers, they raised £12,000 by the submission deadline and today stand at over £35,000. So why is Cabinet still relying on outdated figures instead of recognising their progress?"

"SLC’s evaluation criticises them for lacking reserves, capital detail, and partnership contracts. But realistically, no new organisation could have delivered all of that within the time given. They were even encouraged to ‘think big’ about capital investment, only to be penalised for doing so."

She also accused the ruling Labour group for handling the community asset process in a "shambolic, shady and underhand" manner in a speech which drew applause from the packed public gallery.

However, Labour's Councillor Jacquie Prestwood retorted: "I take exception to comments that we do not care about theatre. We want a theatre in our town. this is something that we spent many hours discussing with the officers.

"I have attended all the public meetings. I made myself available to you and to anyone who wanted to talk about it. We have taken time to consider both reports. I have to say I thought your bid was going to be a good proposal. 

"I can't see how we are gong to to improve on the the last few years  by making a loss."

The meeting was chaired by deputy leader Councillor David Williams in the absence of leader Councillor Tony Johnson, who was too unwell to attend. Councillor Williams said he wanted to reassure the campaigners that the theatre building in Church Street was not part of the current demolition work to redevelop the shopping centre as that would have required a separate planning application.

Addressing them Councillor Williams added: "This has been a difficult decision for the cabinet to make. A local businessman was also interested in the theatre, but withdrew after looking at it closely. It is the financial reality of where we are. I have seen the passion of the campaigning that the trust has put in, however, we have to make a decision."

Speaking after the meeting Cannock Chase Theatre Trust  vice chairman Jamie Norgrove said: "I am feeling devastated. I feel that we have just witnessed a complete injustice first and foremost to the  people of Cannock who need that theatre. Cannock is not an affluent area and is on the national deprivation register. Many people use it because they  can't get to Lichfield's Garrick, Stafford's Gatehouse or to the Grand in Wolverhampton.

"There is a cost prohibition in terms of not being able to afford the transport to get there and back an the cost of the tickets."

He said the trustees had not given up on saving the venue and would now reflect on the council vote before deciding it's next move."

Residents and numerous amateur dramatic groups took part in a banner waving demonstration outside the Civic Suite in Beecroft Road which including singing. Songs included You'll Never walk Alone and Les Miserables' One Day More.