On Friday, I was at the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse with councillor John Cope, and legendary broadcaster Mike Read, supporting the campaign to save the venue from closure.
The Lib Dem-run administration at Elmbridge Borough Council is planning to close the playhouse on 31 March next year. This would be a devastating blow to the local community, including the many local groups that make regular use of it, who are clear that the playhouse is an indispensable cultural asset.
Disappointingly, the council hasn’t done its homework. They haven’t properly consulted the local community, or fully considered alternatives to closure.
I would urge local residents – in Walton and further afield – to sign the petition to save the playhouse.