TWO members of staff are leaving a troubled North-East theatre to pursue careers elsewhere.

Box office manager Claire Chisholm and bar manager David Mortemore have both resigned from the council-run Gala Theatre in Durham.

Last week, councillors heard of the backstage chaos that contributed to financial disaster. Only days after it was opened by the Queen, the company managing the theatre collapsed, plunging the venue into crisis.

Durham City Council cancelled the three-year management contract it had signed with Entertainment Durham Limited to run the venue and turned to troubleshooters from Darlington Borough Council's leisure department.

They reported that they found a venue run by young and inexperienced staff who had no guidance, a box office with no sales targets and poor communication between departments.

Despite these early problems, Durham City Council director of community services David Marrs said the latest departures were not linked with any controversy about the £14m flagship venue.

He said: "It has got nothing to with the perceived problems in the theatre.

"These are people who have been interviewed for new jobs and are taking a step up in their careers. We have had no difficulty with them and wish them all the luck in the world. Both were good officers and we are pleased they are moving on to bigger and better things."

Ms Chisholm is believed to be moving to London while Mr Mortemore is thought to be moving to another licensed premises in the Durham area.

Figures revealing the venue's financial losses in the last year are expected to be ready next month.