NORTH Devon Council remains committed to retaining future theatre provision in North Devon.

It follows the shock news recently that the North Devon Theatres Trust (NDTT) has gone into administration.

Up until the end of November last year, the council was working on a proposal put forward by the NDTT for them to buy a 129-year lease for both the Queen’s and Landmark theatres for £565,000 without the need for public subsidy.

Council leader, Cllr Des Brailey, said: “We are extremely disappointed to be in this position after spending lots of time working on the proposal from the trust to buy the theatres from us. Things have been moving really quickly and we are still digesting the situation. The administration process is ongoing and we must let this conclude so we are sure of the position before moving forward.

“What we can say, though, is that we are committed to theatre provision in North Devon and whilst the administration process is ongoing, we are looking at what options might be available in the future, once the administration process is complete.”