CIVIC chiefs have vowed to save a Hampshire arts centre by running it themselves if no-one else comes forward.

Hanger Farm, home of Totton and Eling Arts Festival, is owned by the town council but is run by Totton College, which has decided to end its contract with the authority.

The council’s main priority is filling any gap between the college pulling out and a new operator taking over.

It is also prepared to run the centre in the longer term if no-one comes forward, but the authority says it is confident of finding a new operator.

Town clerk Derek Biggs said members were hoping to achieve a seamless transition.

He added: “I’m pretty certain we will find someone to run Hanger Farm, but if for any reason that doesn’t happen we will keep it going. It’s certainly not the council’s intention to see it close.”

The Daily Echo understands that an Eastleigh group and the Ringwood-based Forest Forge Theatre have both expressed an interest in running the centre.

Cllr Di Brooks, chairman of the council’s amenities committee, said: “It’s looking very promising.”

Totton College is run by crime reduction charity NACRO, which stepped in to manage Hanger Farm as part of its merger with the educational establishment in 2015.

Hanger Farm’s future was plunged in doubt when NACRO decided to terminate its lease.

The college’s commercial business partner, Fred Stanley, has described the centre as an “area of activity that falls outside the college’s main objectives”.

Facilities at the complex include a theatre, gallery an exhibition area. It is also licensed to hold weddings.

The centre’s future was raised at a special meeting of the council’s amenities committee, which agreed to begin the tendering process.

Cllr Arthur Davis said NACRO’s decision to end its agreement with the council had come as a “massive shock” to the authority.

He added: “Hanger Farm is a jewel in our crown. We’re going to fight to keep it much as it is - it’s a fantastic place.”

Speaking after the meeting Cllr David Harrison said: “NACRO are going to be asked to specify a date for withdrawal, with hopefully some flexibility so the centre won’t have to close before transferring to new management.

“I don’t think there is any danger of the facility closing but many people are understandably anxious about the changes ahead.”