People power at Ludlow Assembly Rooms

A deal has been agreed to hand Ludlow Assembly Rooms over to the community – securing the venue for future generations.

The centre's trustees have decided to pursue plans to take over responsibility of the building from Shropshire Council.

The decision means they can now move forward with ambitious proposals to create a new entrance to the centre off the town's market square.

The news is a major boost for the venue, which last year was suffering severe financial problems leading to a reduction in opening hours and a public fundraising campaign to support the theatre.

Last month officials at Shropshire Council pledged £229,000 in funding over the next three years.

Under current arrangements the trustees lease the upstairs of the building from Shropshire Council. The new plans would see them become responsible for the whole building.

Mike Penn, chairman of the board of trustees at the Assembly Rooms, said: "We have agreed in principle that we want to continue with the project, although there are lots of technical details which need to be ironed out.

"The whole point of this is to give Ludlow Assembly Rooms a secure and operational platform. It is great news for the town as the building is crucial to business, economic and social life."

See also:

• Ownership suggestion welcomed for Ludlow Assembly Rooms

• Council comes to the rescue of Ludlow Assembly Rooms Read more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2012/01/04/council-comes-to-the-rescue-of-ludlow-assembly-rooms/#ixzz1lJeOTTSq