STANLEY is celebrating after controversial plans to close its theatre were shelved.

The Lamplight Arts Centre in Front Street, Stanley, was facing a bleak future as Durham County Council sought to cut £130m from its budgets over the next few years.

The centre is one of the few public facilities left in the former pit town.

It hosts dramatic productions, cinema screenings and concerts and is also used for staging art exhibitions and as a meeting base for a variety of community groups.

Since the threat to its future emerged , Stanley Town Council has been talking to county council officials about the possibility of saving the venue.

A recent public meeting resulted in strong support for the idea.

The town council has now announced it is to take over running of the venue, saving it from closure.

In a statement the council said that at a recent meeting members "unanimously agreed" to secure the future of the Lamplight Arts Centre.

“Stanley Town Council has been determined to ensure the Lamplight remains open and has undertaken extensive work in both consulting with the local community and developing a business plan for the future management of the centre," it said.

Council chairman David Mills said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm that this popular venue will continue to provide a focus for a wide variety of community groups in and around Stanley.

“Plans are being considered to improve the venue over time, and to attract more users to ensure its continued existence.

“We hope the people of Stanley and the wider area will support us in making this exciting new venture a big success.”

County councillor Neil Foster, portfolio holder for heritage and culture, welcomed the move.

He said: “We are delighted that the town council has been able to take on the Lamplight for the people of Stanley.

“We will be working closely with them to facilitate the transfer as soon as possible and wish them well for their future plans for the site.”