Let's claim it back for the community - that is the message from Kate Hayes-Watkins who wants people to contact her with ideas for Deal's Astor Theatre Arts Centre.

The future of the district council-owned building has been in the balance for a month, since a sign was attached to the front door in Stanhope Road claiming a change of management.

Now Mrs Hayes-Watkins is appealing to people to back her plan to set up a focus group to share ideas about the theatre’s future.

She said: "The situation with the Astor requires us to unite as a community and put forward our ideas for the venue.

"So, in accordance with Lord Astor’s wishes, I would like to ask the people of Deal to contact me and let me know what they would like to see at the theatre and how they would like to see it used.

"Are there performers in need of a space, do they want to be part of a community performance, do they want to hire it, see classes there, exhibitions?"

Mrs Hayes-Watkins, head of performing art at Castle Community College in Deal, said that in the past few years it had been impossible to use the theatre.

"But now a glimmer of hope appears as we learn that the lessee is wanting to dissolve his contract with the council.

"I hope this means the community can claim back our beloved theatre for one and all."

A district council spokesman said: "The company that holds the lease has indicated to the council that it is seeking to surrender that lease.

"We are following this up and discussions are in place with other parties regarding possible future arrangements for the theatre."

Mrs Hayes-Watkins can be contacted at dcta@hotmail.co.uk