A THEATRE has been saved from closure after a "last chance" council grant.

Lyme Regis Town Council has agreed to inject £15,000 of cash into the Marine Theatre in order to help the business to continue running.

The town council has already awarded the theatre £30,000 per year until 2020, but agreed to advance a £15,000 lump sum after being told at a meeting last night that the theatre would close its doors the following day without the funding.

The trustees last week appealed to the council for a ‘quick decision’ by the end of January, when the theatre would run out of funds.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Steve Miller said: “We need to make a decision tonight on whether the Marine Theatre closes its doors tomorrow or its new trustees are given a chance to turn the business around.”

During the discussions, there were calls for residents of the town to have their say on the future of the theatre in a referendum.

Cllr Daryl Turner said: “I think we should have a referendum and let people decide if they want to spend their money on the theatre.”

In agreeing to advance funding, members wanted a clear message to be sent to the trustees.

Cllr Brian Larcombe said: “This advance of grant is as far as we can go.

"We are doing as much as we can and this is the last chance.”

Speaking after the meeting, committee chairman and deputy mayor Cllr Michaela Ellis said: “In recognition of the substantial financial support the council has given to the Marine Theatre over many years, the council has offered to advance a portion of the existing grant.

“While this is not additional funding, the council feels its contributions are substantial for a town as small as Lyme."

She added: “The council does not have endless financial resources and must spend its money wisely for the benefit of the whole town.

“We hope the payment will help the theatre resolve its financial struggles and become more sustainable.”

Members agreed to bring forward £15,000 of grant payments to Lyme Arts Community Trust from the final two payments it would have received in the 2019/20 financial year.

This was on the condition the trust also raises £15,000 by October 1, 2017, and puts £1,500 from future town council grant payments in to a capital reserve from the same date.

Members agreed the funding should only be released if the trust provided a list of its debtors and creditors for scrutiny by council officers.

It was also agreed the council should have two seats on the trust’s board and monthly copies of management accounts would be provided.

Marine Theatre  artistic director Clemmie Reynolds told The News she was "absolutely thrilled" that the funding had been secured.

She said: "This is a crucial time for the Marine Theatre. We have a brand new board of nine trustees and an ambitious four-year business plan to increase the theatre's financial viability, transform our facilities and deliver an exciting arts programme for our whole community.

"These are tough times for the arts and culture sector, and only this week two theatres in Devon were forced to close. With this generous injection of cash from our local council will be able to launch our fundraising plans to ensure that the Marine Theatre can survive to serve the people of Lyme Regis for years to come."