Residents have expressed their sadness after Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre announced a shock closure.

The theatre in Union Road, which has been praised as a “safe space for people to go to”, will close its doors for good due to the impact of the cost of living crisis.

Hyndburn Arts Limited, the charity that has been managing the theatre for the last 13 years, is reportedly going into liquidation.

This evening (July 13), a statement was shared on the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre account.

It said: “There has been some speculation online about the future and stability of the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre.

"We are sad to say that it is actually true and the doors have closed.

“Instruction has been given to Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP to place Hyndburn Arts Ltd into liquidation, the charity that has been managing the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre for the last 13 years.

“With rising fuel prices, a cost of living crisis, acts cancelling because of low ticket sales, the imminent risk of larger repairs being needed and the loss of some large contracts - notably we have lost £45,000 of events business from Hyndburn Borough Council this year that we had last year - we do not feel that we are able to make it through the winter, so it’s is prudent to make the judgement call now while debts are relatively low.

“Staff have been told and we are now in the process of handing over all information to Begbies Traynor to follow the redundancy process to assist with their claims.

"We ask that you respect that people have lost their careers and their income alongside something which they are all passionate about.

“Obviously, we are saddened that it could not be saved and saddened that we cannot be part of all of the exciting opportunities for arts and culture in the area.

"With huge amounts of money coming into the area for arts and culture it is sad that we have not been able to be part of Hyndburn Borough Council’s plans.

“If you bought tickets online via Ticketsource these will be automatically refunded when the shows are officially cancelled online.

"If you paid cash or by debit/credit card or you have paid for the hire of the theatre you will be contacted as a creditor.

“It is going to take some time to process all of this and for the assets to be assessed and distributed. Please have patience with us.

“But for now, this is the end of an era. The team are all incredibly sad that we can no longer be part of the community of Oswaldtwistle.

"We have loved helping to build a creative and vibrant centre that is loved by locals and visited by people from across the North West.”

Hundreds of residents reacted to the news, stating the closure with be a “huge loss” to the town.

One woman said: “Gutted. This is so sad to read. A venue that should be celebrated and supported. Oswaldtwistle are proud to have our own fabulous theatre that brings in people from all over and supports talent.

“This is a shocking letdown by whoever could have done more to keep the civic open. I'm so sorry for all the staff who are at risk of job loss and all the volunteers who love the place.”

Another person said: “I'm so sorry to hear this - you all worked so hard to make sure that the civic and it's offer of programmes was the gem of the community.

“It's a shame that this hasn't been recognised by the council as a valuable resource to support when they have had some financial support to offer to the arts in the community.

“Thank you for all your commitment and creativity to keeping the arts going for all!”