NORTHCOTT THEATRE

12.00.00pm GMT Sun 20th Jan 2008

Exeter Liberal Democrat PPC Graham Oakes has called on the Arts Council to do its job and back the Northcott Theatre.

"The petitions have received incredible support from people right across the city and beyond. Whilst the Arts Council has to decide how to use the limited funds it receives from the government, it can not afford to ignore this massive show of support for the Northcott."

"By removing its grant the Arts Council will kill our theatre and whilst the Arts Council is not an elected body, it should not ignore the large numbers of people who have pledged their support to our theatre."

"It is part of the role of the Arts Council to develop / support the arts. By removing this grant they are doing the complete opposite."

An Arts Council meeting tomorrow will receive petitions of over 18K names.