STAFF at Ayr"s Gaiety Theatre have claimed they"re in the dark over the future of their jobs.

The theatre is in urgent need of refurbishment - with costs estimated to be touching �9million.

The historic attraction will close from March 31 to allow a design team to put together detailed cost estimates.

But council staff claim they"ve been left in dark over the future of their jobs - a suggestion strenuously denied by the authority.

One disgruntled council worker claimed staff have been snubbed by council bosses despite making attempts to arrange meetings The worker - who asked not to be named - said: 'The staff have absolutely no idea what is going on with their jobs - as far as they know come March 31 they are out of a job.

'They"ve tried to arrange meetings with council bosses but so far have got nowhere.

'They"ve been sent emails telling them what the situation is regarding the theatre itself but have so far had nothing about their jobs.

'These people have mortgages and other bills to pay - the least they deserve to know is what is going on with their jobs. Time"s running out we"ve now got less than a month before the theatre shuts.

'People need to know if only to put paid to the rumours flying around. Many people within the council are saying the theatre won"t be re-opening at all.' Council chiefs have refuted these claims saying weekly meetings were held with Gaiety staff.

A spokeswoman said: 'Senior officers of the council have spoken to employees at the Gaiety Theatre on several occasions in the last few months about the temporary closure of the theatre. Team meetings are held at the theatre on a weekly basis to discuss operational matters, which include regular updates on the temporary closure.

'No employee has personally requested a meeting specifically about the operational changes at the theatre, nor have any emails or telephone calls of this nature been received. Managers will ensure that employees continue to have opportunities to raise any concerns.' Last week we reported how the final curtain could have fallen on the Gaiety Whirl - after a �64,000 subsidy to the theatre was axed.