Campaign set up to save North Devon Theatres

A Facebook campaign and petition to save North Devon Theatres has amassed thousands of followers overnight.

A campaign has been set up to save North Devon Theatres from indefinite closure.

A Save North Devon Theatres Facebook page has amassed more than 4,000 followers since it was set up yesterday (Monday).

And a petition set up asking North Devon Council, who own the buildings, to keep the theatres open has had more than 2,000 signatures.

It follows the announcement yesterday that the Theatres Trust had gone into administration.

Helen Cooper, who set up the page and petition, said: “I want to call the communities of Barnstaple and Ilfracombe to action.

“Please write to North Devon Council asking them to re-open the theatres as soon as possible.

“They are a vital community hub that bring vibrancy and cultural life to the heart of North Devon, aswell as lots of much needed employment.

“There are over 100 staff and volunteers engaged in providing a variety of live entertainment and educational activities to the area.

“We cannot afford to let these fantastic people and buildings go.”

Since the news broke, councillors, MPs, actors, theatre groups, former MPs and many more have reacted with shock and upset.

Read more reaction on the closure of North Devon Theatres Trust here.