The council leader has issued an update on the future of Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre after residents voiced their opinions in a survey.

After the shock closure was announced last month (July 14), a petition was launched to save the venue that has been running for the last 13 years.

The petition received hundreds of signatures and Hyndburn Council leader, Councillor Marlene Haworth, expressed her ‘deep sadness’ over the news and promised to look into possible solutions.

The council published a survey asking for people’s thoughts on the future and Cllr Haworth shared that respondents provided “some excellent ideas to expand the offer and attract more customers in the future.”

She also said a number of "high quality" businesses have come forward to express interest in taking the theatre on, and discussions have already taken place

She said: “Following the recent news of closure of this much-loved community facility, I am pleased to provide an update.

"As an Oswaldtwistle resident myself I share the impact of the closure and fully understand the concern people have expressed.

“Many people have approached me and I have also received a petition with hundreds of signatures, urging the council to secure its future.

“I would like to reassure everyone that re-opening this wonderful building is a priority and I am working closely with officers at the council to ensure it does not stay closed a minute longer than necessary.”

Ideas put forward in the survey include adding a café, new community classes, big name acts, film screenings, craft fairs, temporary exhibitions, use as a wedding venue, and hot desking facilities.

Of the 630 participants, 97 per cent said they would like to see the building continue to be used as a performance/theatre space.

An overwhelming majority would like additional uses with four in five people voting for clubs/groups, 73 per cent of respondents wanting workshops, and three out of five people calling for exhibitions.

Cllr Haworth added: “Although the building is currently in the hands of liquidators, and until legal process is followed we cannot take any necessary action, I am pleased to state we have been contacted by a number of businesses and organisations who have expressed an interest in operating the building.

“I am very pleased that we have such high-quality early interest in this building and have enjoyed informally discussing ideas with several businesses over the past couple of weeks.

“So that we are in a position to ‘hit the ground running’ when the building is back in council hands I would urge anyone interested in operating the building to please get in touch to informally discuss ideas and also ask that our community take part in the online survey, so that we ensure the building offers a service you want and will use.

“As soon as there is more information to share I will be updating the community and keeping everyone involved throughout the process.”

The online survey has gained over 630 responses so far and will remain open until further notice. You can have your say at the Hyndburn Council website.