Pavilion finance warning

That was the stark warning given to councillors on the Rother overview and scrutiny committee on Monday night on the subject of funding the De La Warr Pavilion.

Members were asked to examine the interim report of the pavilion working group tasked with making a proposal on the Rother portion of the building's finances.

Director of services Tony Leonard told members Arts Council England support for the building may only continue if Rother give their backing to the pavilion.

But he also warned increasingly tight council budgets mean Rother cannot afford to pay over-the-odds.

His comments followed a similar warning by committee member Cllr Sue Prochak.

Rother's funding agreement of 500,000 a year runs out in March. That contribution is matched by the Arts Council England.

The working group will not make their final recommendations until January, by which time they should be aware of the latest amount granted by the arts council, Rother's own government funding settlement and a business plan being drawn up the pavilion charitable trust.

Chairman of the working party, Cllr Michael Ensor, said: "We can compliment the De La Warr Pavilion management on a number of different projects in education and the arts content.

"Residents are saying there is a desire to see an improvement in the cafe, restaurant and improvements in the theatre with maybe musical or theatrical performances."

Cllr Ensor said the pavilion had far exceeded the targets set for educational events since its opening (235 against a target of 20).

He added the working group were considering linking their funding agreement to public satisfaction - a rating the pavilion management would be responsible for increasing.

Cllr Ensor said: "We recognise the need for Rother residents to believe the De La Warr Pavilion does belong to the residents."

Members were told the pavilion couldn't compete with the theatres in Eastbourne and Hastings for financial reasons by Cllr Prochak.

She said: "Theatre is incredibly expensive to run and we have found out on the working party even if you have that theatre full it is still a loss.

"The restaurant is cheaper than places in Robertsbridge, it has the best view in the whole of Rother and 'Elle' magazine has said it is the best eating place on the south coast. People say they want the restaurant improved but what do they mean by improved?"

Cllr Prochak warned councillors Arts Council England could decide to pull out of the project without Rother support.

She added: "The local authority has only got to blow a cold wind over their financial arrangements."