A local authority has defended its actions after it was slammed for its lack of urgency in helping to save a community music and arts venue.

Last week, James Tillitt from the Astor Community Theatre criticised Deal Town Council for not offering substantial financial assistance in the wake of the pandemic.

The artistic director, who refurbished the theatre in 2009 and reopened it in 2010, thought it was "inconceivable" to him that Deal Town Council wouldn't contribute to the Astor's survival given the extraordinary success and the community support the theatre has.

Without a major cash injection, the venue in Stanhope Road faces the threat of permanent closure following the Government introduction of Covid-19 crisis regulations such as social distancing.

Councillors have since met at an Extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 6, to express their concern over the Mr Tillet's "misleading" claims.

The authority has highlighted that it has awarded almost £40,000 to help the venue since 2009. £30,000 was was given as a contribution towards the £125,000 refurbishment costs in 2009 and a further £7,600 has been given to support projects such as the setting up of the Deal Community Radio studio and the NVQ Apprenticeship programme.

The latest sum of £2,000 was given in 2018 to subsidise and support the wide range of the community activities.

Mayor Councillor Eileen Rowbotham said the town council is proud of its support for the community asset and has also encouraged Mr Tillett to apply for more funding from its £15,000 Covid-19 Emergency Grant Fund.

She said: "The Astor Theatre was left to the people of Deal in recognition of their fortitude during WW2 and Dover District in partnership with Deal Town Council hold this vital community asset in trust for the town.

"It acts as host to many community groups as well as proving a source of varied and diverse quality entertainment.

"Through the Emergency Grant Fund, a grant has been paid to the Soul Chef Catering so that they could use the kitchens at the Astor Theatre for food preparation.

"I met with Mr Tillitt and also suggested the Theatre apply for KCC Members Grants, request funding from neighbouring Town and Parish Councils and do an online crowdfunding appeal. This last idea was taken up and proved very successful bringing in I have been told £14,000. There are other fundraising ideas that I have shared, and I am willing to help promote."

Mr Tillet has shared his rationale behind not applying to the fund.

He said: "I didn't apply as the maximum amount that could be awarded was £2,000.

"This amount, although always welcome, was simply insufficient for the scale of the cash crisis we are facing. And by applying I would be ineligible for consideration for any further funding from the council."

Mr Tillitt's request for funding for the Astor Theatre will discussed at the council's first scheduled virtual meeting on July 28 and a decision on funding support will be made then.

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