'We won't give up on them' - Campaigners fighting to save Staffordshire theatre and museum have their say

But protestors and those people against the closure packed the public gallery at the council house and spoke before and after the meeting of their determination to save both.

Peter Sidgwick, the chairman of Cannock Chase Arts Council, said they would not let it be the end of either venue if they could help it.

Calling the Prince of Wales 'ideal' both in location and stature for a variety of drama and theatre groups who used the venue as well as professional entertainers, he said there was little alternative.

He said: "We have the Rugeley Rose but that is smaller and isn't in the centre of Cannock. There are possible school venues but they aren't ideal as they are used all day for education and then sometimes in the evening as well.

"Obviously for this organisation the Prince of Wales is the main one but both look likely to close for at least some time after tonight's meeting. We weren't surprised by the outcome but we are determined it won't be the end.

"If the Museum of Cannock Chase closes there are many artefacts in there which will need to be digitised and relocated - it is a beautiful venue and location as it is and it is to be hoped the two organisations which have expressed an interest in saving it can do so with support from the public."

Green Party leader Councillor Andrea Muckley put forward their alternative budget at the meeting but it was voted down.

It proposed using £100,000 of money from the leisure fund to save the museum.

She said: "I have a foot in both camps as my daughter visits the museum regularly and performs on stage at the Prince of Wales, though that is likely not to happen this year now.

"We thought we had a good alternative budget with the leisure funding but it seems now possible funding from the government or the setting up of a Community Interest Company (CIC) are the only alternatives and I would urge anyone with business acumen or who wants to get involved to come forward."

Peter Ross from charity Cannock Chase Shed said he feared one of their workshops would be lost if the Museum of Cannock Chase closed.

He said: "We tend to fix larger items at the workshop there and if it had to close not only would it be a shame for the organisations we serve but also for the members, who tend to be older and come here for the good of their mental health."

Spencer Houghton, who volunteers at the museum said he was confident a CIC could be set up but it might mean a change of location and a lot of hard work and expertise.

He said: "We have already started the ball rolling as we expected this outcome and it will be a long road to what we need to do, hopefully we will see some support from the council itself, which was mentioned at the meeting so now they may need to act."