People in Oswaldtwistle are rallying to save the town’s Civic Arts Centre and Theatre, which announced its shock closure earlier this week.

A petition and fundraiser has been set up as the community slam the council’s decision to close it.

The theatre on Union Road 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.

Accrington woman, Zoe Gregson, has set up both the petition, which has 577 signatures at the time of writing, and the fundraiser, where the aim is to raise £5,000.

Zoe, 34, said: “Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre from closure as this is the heart of Oswaldtwistle.

“It has been bringing joy and excitement to the residents in our town and beyond.”

Zoe, who has three children, said it will be a great loss to children in the community.

She said: "Hearing the new was very upsetting. Myself and my family have used this theatre [a lot in the past]

“It was a wonderful place to visit.

"Closing it would be detrimental to our community and our young children.

“The site helps give a safe place and environment for young children in our local area helping them to learn their new talents giving them confidence and guidance along the way.

“Myself and my sister even planned to have a show here to highlight the work of our charity called The Public Funeral Fund and now that has been cancelled.”

Zoe hopes the GoFundMe she set up can help save the theatre, or at least support staff members who have lost their job.

She said: “The aim of the GoFundMe isto save our theatre but mostly to also help those people that have just lost their jobs, who have families to feed and rent to pay.

“With the current cost of living crisis we are in I can't even begin to imagine how these people will cope let alone how they must feel right now.

“No one should ever go hungry and my thoughts are with them all at this time.”

After signing the petition, dozens of people have left a comment explaining why they think the site should be saved.

One person said: “It has been in the heart of Oswaldtwistle for many years, bringing many people of our community joy and pleasure.”

Another said: “It's an integral part of Oswaldtwistle... I grew up going into that arts centre watching pantomimes and shows.”

A third person said: “It will be devastating for Oswaldtwistle to this brilliant theatre closed.”

To view or sign Zoe’s petition visit the change.org website at: www.change.org

Make a donation to the GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/61c8056d