MORE people need to use the Gaiety Theatre and attend shows to try and save it from closure within the next 12 months.

Concerns had been raised after it was revealed that funding for the facility could not be guaranteed beyond next year's budget. 

The theatre had asked South Ayrshire Council for funding of £150,000 but only £100,000 could be allocated for 2017. It is not yet clear if the venue will be receive funding from 2018 onwards.

Since the budget meeting, staff and volunteers of the much loved theatre have launched a campaign to save the theatre, create jobs and provide vital experiences for young people.

They’ve turned every £1 invested by the council into £10 to secure an additional £3million of capital investment from outside South Ayrshire.

Over the next five years, they plan to engage with 5,000 young people in the community, create 20 additional jobs, train 100 unemployed young people and work with 5,000 older people with dementia to increase quality of life, reduce isolation.

Chairman Ian Welsh, said: "As we’ve explained again and again, the council investment has been the foundation of our social enterprise – which turns over almost ten times this amount. 

"But without the foundation of South Ayrshire Council’s community investment he whole organisation is at serious risk. A minimum investment that the partnership was assured would continue in order to keep the theatre open.

Cllr Bill Grant said: "The Gaiety have received £150,000 for the last five years so that they can become more self sufficient.

"The money has been allocated for one year but we may still be able to provide funding next year depending on our finances.

"It is not just the Gaiety that is not getting the funding it asked for. The Scottish Airshow asked for £300,000 but we could only give them £200,000 for one year."

Chairman, Norman McLean, of the Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown community council, said: "I think it is a good idea to allow the Gaiety to become more self sufficient but we need to get more people to use it and go and see a performance there if it is to become that way."

Cllr Grant added: "The main issue is people not using the theatre and that is why they need funding from the council. There is no pleasure by any member in taking away funds but I am proud of what we have given them in the last seven years."

Opened in 1902, The Gaiety is the largest performance venue between Glasgow and England. To play your part visit http://ayrgaiety.co.uk/gaiety-champions/.