Spending cuts could close only theatre in borough

A London borough's only theatre could close if the council goes ahead with a plan to end its grant as a result of government cuts, its artistic director warned today.

The Broadway in Barking has already absorbed a £100,000 cut to its £431,860 council funding for 201½012. A further cut of £65,000 was due the following year.

But Barking and Dagenham council now proposes to axe funding altogether as it tries to save £20million.

Karena Johnson, who runs the theatre, said it could "cease to operate as a professional venue", adding that efforts to find alternative funding had failed. "The gloomy economic outlook makes these very difficult times for most theatres and performing arts venues outside the West End and well-funded organisations like the National Theatre," she added.

The council said a decision will be made by February. "We recognise the important role performing arts play in our community."