COUNCIL bosses have been in discussions with the Gaiety representatives in a bid to prevent the theatre from closing down.

There had been fears that the Gaiety could close, despite undergoing a major refurbishment last year. The theatre had asked South Ayrshire Council for funding of £150,000 but only £100,000 could be allocated for 2017.

A motion to convince the administration to provide organisers with £50,000 was withdrawn as the opposition realised that progress, to prevent the Gaiety from closing down, had been made.

Cllr Hugh Hunter was initially going to ask the council to make available £50,000 to the Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP) in recognition of their funding requirements. 

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hunter, said: “I withdrew my motion for the Gaiety Theatre as I am led to believe that progress has been made on that front.

“I am content that we are moving forward. It would have been to keep the motion and I do not want to interfere.

South Ayrshire Council leader, Douglas Campbell, said: “One of my first meetings was with representatives from the Gaiety to understand their current and future plans and the impact of the council decision to fund the theatre by a reduced amount and only for one year.

“We now have a greater knowledge of their funding sources and how financial support for the Gaiety fits together.

“As a result senior councillors are having ongoing, constructive discussions to identify ways of moving ahead in future years and we hope to let them know shortly what council support should be available.

“We remain committed to supporting arts and culture across South Ayrshire to help make exhibitions, shows and activities available to as many people as possible.”

Money had already been allocated to the Gaiety this year but the council were unsure if they would be able to continue their investment.