Dukes funding restored by council
COUNCILLORS have restored £20,000 funding to the Dukes theatre after cutting it from their budget a year ago.
The theatre's plight had been met with a public wave of support after news its funding could be slashed.
Dukes director Joe Sumsion had said the cut could leave the theatre with no choice but to increase prices for youth theatre members and community groups.
It could also have jeopardised the theatre's core funding from Arts Council England and Lancashire County Council as well as its ability to attract additional funds.
The theatre was spared half of a planned 40,000 cut last March but the council had planned to implement it for the 2010/11 financial year.
Their grant would have been slashed from 134,100 to 114,400.
Labour councillors Tina Clifford and Robert Redfern successfully proposed a motion supporting the Dukes at Wednesday's full council meeting.
Coun Janice Hanson said: "The theatre is a vital part of the community and we should be putting money into it."
But Coun Sarah Fishwick disagreed. "I find it amazing that people are suggesting putting money back into the Dukes when we are cutting other funding," she said.
And Coun Keith Sowden said: "We need to be funding basic things like toilets, not helping these elitist people."
Councillors also agreed to put 40,000 towards improving playgrounds around the district.
Fourteen playgrounds have had play equipment fenced off until repairs are carried out, with a review going before cabinet next month to discuss when work will be carried out.
However, play areas in Torrisholme and Galgate have been earmarked as priorities for work to begin later this month.
A further 30,000 was allocated in the budget for the running costs of a second quick response vehicle for the council.
Coun Eileen Blamire said: "These are three significant improvements to the service provided by the city council. They will greatly add to the quality of life for residents all over the Lancaster district."
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Weather for Lancaster
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
