Wolverhampton Council leader vows to safeguard Central Youth Theatre's future
The leader of Wolverhampton Council is planning urgent talks with Central Youth Theatre in a bid to safeguard its future.
Councillor Ian Brookfield said he was "horrified" to hear that the theatre was fighting for its future, praising it for helping thousands of youngsters in the city over the years.
He has vowed to arrange a meeting with theatre bosses as soon as possible to see if the council can help in any way.
Mr Brookfield, who succeeded Roger Lawrence as Labour council leader last month, has pledged to prioritise youth services in a bid to drive youngsters away from crime.
He said today: "I'm horrified to hear that the theatre is struggling.
"As a matter of urgency we will get together with them and see if we can do something about it."
The plight of CYT comes as another of the city's youth institutions, The Way Youth Zone, is also struggling for funding after bosses revealed the School Street site needs £150,000 to keep running.
The club has got by since its foundation in January 2016 thanks to a three-year donation plan from supporters and patrons, but that plan recently came to an end.
Mr Brookfield said he wants to see all of the city's youth facilities flourish.
"The future of the city is not just about education, and it's not just about work and jobs. The arts – and how we look after them – are crucially important for the future of our city, as is the element of play.
"I am looking at all of those spheres to see if I can help."
CYT received council funding until 2014 when it was cut by the authority due to a funding reduction from central government.
