Backing for campaigners fighting to save arts cente (From Daily Echo)

Backing for campaigners fighting to save arts cente

7:00am Thursday 1st November 2007 in News By Andrew Napier, Winchester Chief Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a Winchester arts centre have been strengthened by cross-party support from city councillors.

Hampshire County Council proposes to transfer the Tower Arts Centre to a local school, killing off its much-loved evening programme of music and comedy.

The threat to the centre, revealed by the Daily Echo last May, sparked a huge public campaign.

Leading campaigner Alistair Marsden handed in a petition to the full meeting of Winchester City Council last night.

In a little over a week the centre supporters have gathered 1,006 signatures.

Tonight scores of campaigners will meet county boss to discuss the future of the centre at a public meeting in the Guildhall at 7pm.

Mr Marsden said: "There is overwhelming support for the Tower. It's clear they want the Tower to stay as it is. I can't see why the county council wants to change something that is such a success."

County council leader Ken Thornber has publicly said no change is not an option. He is looking to make savings in the arts budget to pay for the rising cost of adult social care.

Mr Marsden's petition attracted wide support from city councillors.

Cllr Georgina Busher, Independent, said; "It would be a tragedy if the centre were to disappear."

Council leader George Beckett, Conservative, said he supported the centre, but warned: "I am not optimistic but we shall leave no stone unturned."

Cllr Therese Evans, Liberal Democrat, said when the city council has given £1 million to the Discovery Centre it had made it clear tey did not want to see the Tower Arts Centre threatened as a result.