Crunch meeting for The Plough Arts Centre today

Torridge councillors will decide today (Monday, July 7) whether to help keep the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington running with a £45,000 grant.

The centre, which has been open for 50 years, could close within months unless emergency cash is found.

It comes after increasing challenges due to rising operational costs and reduced funding.

The Plough needs the cash to keep functioning while it continues with a recovery strategy which has included reduced opening times, redundancies and a data-led approach to programme planning.

Much of the centre’s budget is spent repairing and maintaining the 100-year-old premises which costs around £40,000 a month to run.

In a report to Torridge District Council’s community and resources committee, it said that Great Torrington Town Council had helped towards a £60,000 fundraising appeal with a contribution of £15,000.

Officers recommend the council agrees to the remaining £45,000 to be pay in two instalments over the next two years.

The Plough was the central hub of the town where people came to socialise, be entertained and get creative, said the centre’s chief executive Emma Marston.

On top of this the youth theatre had grown by 30 per cent over the past two years and was making a positive difference to the community’s wellbeing.

Torridge District Council’s lead member for culture and community engagement Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said The Plough was recently recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by the Arts Council.

“The cultural, educational, economic and well-being benefits impact not only Great Torrington but the wider region,” she said.

“It is really encouraging to see their new model of delivery which has seen ticket sales increase by 35% and it is now turning the corner, making a surplus rather than deficit.”

She said the financial help from the council could “act as a buffer” or “safety net” during the transition and the management team would continue to apply for and draw down external grants to improve the building and its energy efficiency, which would further reduce costs in the future.

She added that The Globe Hotel next door being brought back into community ownership and awarded funding of more than £500,000 from the government was set to bring huge benefits to the town centre and the two organisations would work incredibly well together.

“Let’s show our support as a council, help our communities to thrive and regenerate our town centres,” she said.

Torridge District Council has given £55,000 to The Plough Arts Centre since 2020.

The Plough continues to appeal for donations or sponsorship from local people and businesses – find out more at https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/donations-and-legacies