RHYL’S iconic children’s theatre has been saved.
After a six-year battle the Little Theatre has been safeguarded with a 12-year lease.
Denbighshire County Council had refused to renew the lease because of concerns over health and safety and a lack of repair work.
At one stage the theatre’s management were given notice to vacate the Vale Road building but went to court to stop the council throwing them out.
After a three-day civil action a judge in Caernarfon granted a new lease provided repairs are carried out within six months.
Neil Taylor, secretary of the theatre, said: “We are over the moon. It is the culmination of a long, long fight. We took on city hall and won. We went up against the might of the council with all their resources. It is now time to sit down with the council and work together to get things done.”
Mr Taylor said no major structural work was needed but materials for painting and other work could cost £4,000 with a team of volunteers standing by.
During the hearing the judge said he was satisfied there was a real prospect of the work being done and described the theatre as “willing and enthusiastic tenants.”
The Little Theatre is believed to have been the first purpose built children’s theatre in Britain and has helped launch the careers of talented youngsters including panto star Rebecca Trehern.
Mr Taylor said: “We are hoping to develop the theatre and expand it. We are hoping that the theatre will be here for many years to come. We want to make it a facility for the community to use.
“The theatre was built by the people of Rhyl for the children of Rhyl. What we need is help and donations. We want the community to get behind this, the sooner it gets into shape the sooner we can then offer the facilities that the theatre has to the people of Rhyl.”
Plans include a sound studio for local bands to record demos and for groups to tape radio plays.
If you have any fundraising ideas for the Little Theatre contact rhyllittleth@btconnect.com