The theatre groups takes interactive shows to schools in Powys

Theatr Powys and Powys Dance Company's council funding of more than �250,000 has been identified as a potential cut in a cost-saving exercise.

The groups say they cannot survive without the money.

But Powys Council says no final decision has yet been taken on whether the groups will be affected.

The council's children, families and lifelong learning committee recommended at a meeting earlier this month that the groups' funding should end in April.

Theatr Powys tours the county working on projects with more than 2,500 pupils a year in Welsh and English. It also runs a youth theatre in mid Wales.

Jen Angharad: Funding threat is 'devastating' news

The dance group also visits schools and runs creative classes for all ages.

Both companies say they are concerned that any loss of funding from the council will threaten other cash injections which they get from the Arts Council of Wales.

Ian Yeoman, artistic director of Theatr Powys, said: "The nationally and internationally recognised skills, specialisms and expertise of two companies who have served the schools and communities of Powys for 30 years with council support could be lost forever".

Jen Angharad, dance developer with Powys Dance, said the funding cut was "devastating".

"We provide a very cost-efficient service across Powys which ensures that the people of Powys receive a quality arts experience," she said.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams is also writing to the chairman of the board of Powys Council to express his "deep concerns" about the closure plans.

A few years ago a campaign was mounted to stop the arts council's threat to end funding for the groups.

"Yet now the county council is being urged to pull the plug on both companies, with the loss of at least nine jobs," the MP said.

"It will also result in the loss of all the Theatre in Education programmes delivered in Powys' schools and a lot of hugely valuable community theatre and dance work in our communities, which play such an important part in combating social exclusion, especially of the young and disabled."

But a council spokesman said while all service directorates had been asked to identify savings of 5% - or �8m - a final decision on funding for the groups would not be taken until the new year.