After fears emerged around East Grinstead’s Chequer Mead Theatre last week, the town’s Council leader has expressed his ‘absolute commitment’ to the arts centre.
Funding for the Chequer Mead was apparently in danger of being withdrawn – as revealed at a town Council meeting, expressing concerns over the sustainability of the theatre’s £78,000 annual grant.
However, Councillor Norman Webster has told the East Grinstead Observer that:
“We are absolutely behind Chequer Mead because it is an important facility for the town and is used by a wide range of people… there is really no arts centre like Chequer Mead which can be 100 per cent self-supporting. The theatre has got a bright future.”
The theatre’s chief executive, Hannah Kester, has said she has had no doubts about the new council’s support:
“They have committed to supporting it for the next 12 months; we’ll worry about the following 12 months after that”.
The Chequer Mead, situated on De La Warr Road, provides a vibrant pulse for the town; however it needs your support to keep going – so head to their great new website and snap up some front row seats!