Warning of axe threat to shows at town theatre

Performances at one of Wales's premier theatres could be cancelled amid fears over insurance problems.

Concerns have been raised about Theatr Ha- fren in Newtown.

It is feared that it could fail its annual insurance inspection this month.

Glyn Davies, prospective Tory parliamentary candidate for Montgomeryshire, revealed today the potential failure, believed to be because of outdated equipment, could lead to the cancellation of most public performances.

He said the theatre attra- cted more than 35,000 visitors a year and relied heavily on funding to keep it going.

He said: "For almost three decades, Theatr Hafren has been providing eclectic cultural experiences to audiences drawn from Mid Wales and further afield.

"It is exceptionally good. To me it is unthinkable that it should come to an end.

"Powys County Council's head of recreation, culture and countryside services has now written to all executive board members and councillors in Montgomeryshire to inform them that there is the possibility that the theatre may fail its annual insurance inspection later this month.

"Such a failure would, in effect, lead to the cessation of most public performan- ces. His letter went on to em- phasise that whatever the outcome of the insurance inspection, the theatre will need significant investment over the next year or so."

Last month theatre staff raised fears that the centre could be at risk because of outdated equipment.

No-one from Theatr Hafren was available for comment today.

Council spokeswoman Emma Savage said: "We are aware of the slight possibility of issues regarding an insurance inspection and have written to the local councillors to advise them of this."