GWENT MPs have backed a House of Commons motion calling on the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) to step in and save Gwent Theatre.

The survival of the 30-year-old theatre was put in doubt following ACW's decision to cut its £250,000 funding.

Despite protests to ACW chiefs and support from all over the world, the theatre's fate has been decided and is due to close next month.

An Early Day Motion tabled by Newport East MP, Jessica Morden, praises the work of the Theatre in Education Group and condemns the Arts Council for its decision to cut funding, leading to the closure of the company and the loss of the theatre in education project for young people and schools in Gwent.

Ms Morden said, "There's been a strong community campaign in Gwent to save Gwent Theatre and in the Assembly local AMs have questioned the way this decision has been taken.

"It's not too late for the Arts Council to change its mind, given the outrage this decision has caused, and save a company that takes the performing arts into some of our most deprived communities to help young people in Gwent realise their dreams."

The motion signed by Jessica Morden, David Davies, Paul Flynn, Paul Murphy, Nick Smith, Chris Evans, and Wayne David requests that Gwent Theatre be commended for its excellent theatre in education experience for young people and schools in South East Wales and for its hugely supportive role for Gwent Young People's Theatre which has led to many young people pursuing a career in the performing arts.

It says it, "This motion deplores the withdrawal of their funding by Arts Council Wales and that body's lack of transparency in making this decision and is alarmed that this will lead to the company closing in February leaving South East Wales, including some of the most deprived communities in Wales, with no theatre in education provision.

The motion calls on the Arts Council of Wales to reverse this decision immediately in light of the vigorous community campaign and scrutiny by the Communities and Culture and Petitions Committees in the Welsh Assembly."