WITH an unprecedented public sector squeeze about to begin in earnest, there are many controversies and battles ahead for local communities.

And the outcry over the threatened closure of The Forum music centre, in Darlington, has been extraordinary.

The Forum is clearly important to the people of Darlington and we welcome last night’s announcement that the borough council and Humantics – the community interest company hoping to manage the venue – are working together on a rescue plan.

More than ever before, Darlington Borough Council has a duty to make sure that public money is not used unwisely.

But the council has also been left in no doubt about the strength of public opinion over The Forum.

A way forward has to be found and it is right that an independent review of the business plan is carried out before decisions are made.

This newspaper has been involved in efforts behind the scenes this week to try to find a solution and we are confident that there is a will on all sides to avoid The Forum closing.

It is now time for cool heads to consider how best to not only save this much-loved venue, but ensure it has a viable long-term future without the need to be indefinitely propped up with public funds.

As Government cuts begin to decimate public services, communities will need to find new ways to work together to retain amenities which have previously been taken for granted.

We hope that after this troubled period in its relatively brief history, The Forum in Darlington becomes an example of what can be achieved through community partnerships.