More than 150 people attended a meeting in Darlington Arts Centre

More than 150 people attended a meeting in Darlington Arts Centre last night to try to safeguard its future.

The meeting agreed to proceed with the formation of a community interest company, which would run the arts centre as the hub of cultural activity in the town.

A “cultural parliament”

would also be set up, made up of representatives of people and organisations in the town, which would hold the company to account and draft ideas and appoint the executive.

Yesterday’s meeting followed a similar event last month to gauge interest about the future of arts in Darlington following the announcement of council cuts.

The arts centre, along with Darlington Civic Theatre, is owned and managed by the borough council.

However, the authority is withdrawing its £1.2m subsidy to the two buildings as it attempts to trim £22m from its £107m budget.

The council will find out next month exactly how much money it has to save.

Last night’s meeting was told that people should be ready for a worst case scenario, so they are prepared for all eventualities.

Paul Harman, a professional actor who has set up the group Darlington for Culture chaired the meeting.

He said that running the arts centre on a reduced basis would still need £200,000 a year to cover the costs.

The company would need to convince the council that it had a strong business model based on realistic charges and a combination of trading and fundraising.

He said: “The first step is we need to demonstrate there’s a strong body of opinion that is willing to support this facility.

“Then we will have a case to speak to the council.”

There were calls from Liberal Democrat borough councillor Mike Barker to oppose the cuts and that by setting up the company it would make it easy for the council to rid itself of the building, he said.

However, it was agreed that opposing cuts could be done separately while the community interest company was set up.

At the end of the meeting, a show of hands revealed nearly everyone in the room was in favour of proceeding with the company, where organisations would hold a £25 share and individuals a £10 share.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Harman said: “It was a rough ride, but I think it went very well.

“Frankly, I had no idea when I called this meeting about the depth of support.”

A group of volunteers will now work on a business plan, which will be presented to the council.