Protesters call for theatre replacement
John EdwardsLocals gathered outside a shut theatre to call for a replacement to open as soon as possible.
The Forum in Barrow, Cumbria, has been closed since July 2024 after asbestos was discovered. Last month Westmorland and Furness Council said it was considering demolishing the 55-year-old building alongside the neighbouring Market Hall.
On Saturday dozens of residents gathered outside the venue calling for guarantees on a potential replacement.
The local authority said arts and culture would be at the "core" of its planned regeneration of Barrow.
Speaking at the protest, John Edwards, chairman of the Walney Musical Theatre Company (WMTC), said a temporary space was needed to replace the Forum sooner rather than later.
"If this building is going to take five or 10 years to be rebuilt we cannot wait that long.
"We are so lucky in Barrow - most places you go to have one amateur dramatics company - it's very rare you have a thriving community theatre group like this with so many companies and they need a venue."
SuppliedLiberal Democrat councillor, Helen Chaffey, said the council had not made any firm plans to regenerate the town.
However, she said she wanted to reassure the public they would be involved in the decision-making process on Barrow's future and that arts and culture would be at the "core" of this "transformation".
She said: "By creating places for arts, events, and community activity, we will ensure that Barrow is not only a thriving centre of employment but also a lively, creative and enriching place to live, work and visit."
The council will meet on 17 March to consider the demolition of the venue and the Market Hall and its wider regeneration plans.
