Council and BAC close to agreement

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following threat to remove funding

 

Wandsworth Council and Battersea Arts Centre say that they are making good progress on a plan that could, if successful, help the council to reduce its financial commitment to the venue and be an important step in securing its long term future.

A report setting out the way forward will be prepared for a special meeting of the council's environment and leisure overview and scrutiny committee at the end of the month.

BAC chairman Nick Starr said:

"We recognise that the council is under pressure to reduce its costs. We have had positive discussions on a set of proposals which we think can enable both sides to achieve their objectives.

Executive member for environment and leisure Malcolm Grimston said:

 

"The two organisations are working to find a way forward. There is complete understanding of each other's position. It is early days but I am hopeful that we have the basis of a workable proposal."

Details of the special committee meeting to consider the proposals will be finalised later this week.

February 7, 2007