DEBATE has been ongoing regarding the funding crisis at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington during a recent Torridge District Council community and resources committee meeting.

The Plough’s director Richard Wolfenden-Brown, of Bude, attended the committee meeting and gave members an update on the current situation.

Mr Brown pointed out that the Plough has been in financial crisis before in 2002, 2005, 2011 and now again in 2020. He acknowledged that funding for the arts was often like ‘walking a tightrope’ but their recent Crowdfunder appeal looked to have plugged the immediate funding gap. However, he argued that the budget for the next financial year would require additional monetary support, which had yet to be secured. He pointed out that unlike other similar institutions that receive substantial public funding the Plough only received 3% public funding in the last year meaning that 97% was vulnerable and variable dependant on proceeds from events. Plough Arts Centre chair John Eeles, who also spoke on behalf of the Plough, pointed out that there was no other institution like the Plough in the area and that its loss would never be replaced.

Councillors listened intently and in the following debate there was a consensus of support for the Plough recognising the contribution it makes not only locally but right across the district and further afield.

The unanimous decision from the meeting was for further detailed reports and budgets to be brought to the next community and resources committee meeting on March 16. This would allow members to make an informed decision as to whether funding could be provided.

Lead member for culture, leisure and tourism and Great Torrington Council member Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said: “The Plough is a cultural and creative centre recognised across Devon and far beyond its boundaries. It is part of the very essence of Great Torrington and its surrounding area, and offers a special service as a multi-functioning arts hub, loved by all ages and all walks of life.

“The Plough is the least-funded arts centre in the country, and has survived for so long only with the generosity of their 100 volunteers. The recent success of their Crowdfunder appeal really shows the high level of support that exists in the local community. They need a modest amount of regular funding for the value it brings in a variety of ways — education, wellbeing and the economy to name a few. If this funding is not forthcoming they will be forced to close, and we cannot afford to lose this special and much-loved facility.”

Westward Ho! member Cllr Nick Laws summed up the general feeling on the night by saying: “The message from members is that they want to find some way forward to support the Plough and in a manner that they can rely on in the future and which recognises the cultural importance of the institution.”