Campaigners vow to fight closure of Beck Theatre

Campaigners have said they intend to fight the planned closure of a west London theatre.

In a statement released last week, Hillingdon Council said it had been seeking to negotiate a new lease with operators Trafalgar Theatres for them to continue management of the facility at a peppercorn rent with the council being responsible for essential repairs and maintenance.

“Trafalgar has insisted that, in addition, the council pay an ongoing subsidy,” it said.

“The council has determined that this is no longer appropriate with public finances under such pressure, noting Trafalgar Theatres is a profit-making company that pays dividends to its owners.

“In the absence of an agreement, Trafalgar’s contract with the council will cease on January 13 and the Beck Theatre will close while the consultants seek new management.”

The BBC reports that pressure group Back the Beck has accused the council of refusing to accept an offer from Trafalgar of a zero-subsidy deal on a three-year trial, something the council denies.

Back the Beck campaigner Jonathan Haynes told BBC London: “We have so many people that come to the Beck, many of whom are disabled.

“The tickets are affordable; there’s good car parking.

“It really brings a sense of community, and in an area where there is a lot of ethnic diversity, this venue brings people together.”