ABERGAVENNY town councillors have expressed their concerns at the lack of consultation with the new trust which has been formed to take over the running of the Borough Theatre, over the building which they share.

Monmouthshire County Council has agreed to transfer the management of the Abergavenny Borough Theatre to a charitable trust from April 1 in order to guarantee the long-term future of the theatre.

However Councillor Doug Edwards said, " The future of the Borough Theatre has been discussed at various levels for the past three to four years – but we've not had an invitation to discuss this issue as a council with the trust.

"We all agree that the theatre is a jewel in Abergavenny's crown, but what stresses me is that neither Monmouthshire County Council nor the committee that went on to form the trust have ever asked the town council's opinion, after all we are one of the users of the building.

"I feel we could be better served by the trust."

Councillor Marion Pearse said, "No one-on this council has seen the trust's business plan.

"We could be in the unfortunate position of finding out that the theatre could be in real financial trouble in three years time if we don't see their business plans."

The local authority believes that transferring the running of the theatre to a trust gives it improved independence in terms of its operation and will enable it to apply for grants from the Arts Council of Wales and other bodies.

Councillor Sam Dodd said, "Once the Olympic fever has died down funding for the arts can be resumed which should help with the long term future of the Borough Theatre."

Councillor Paul Jordan however was more pessimistic about the outlook.

"Look what happened to the funding of Gwent Theatre - that was a well run organisation which unfortunately is no more.

"The Borough Theatre is an asset, the future of which needs to be safeguarded and not just be left to the whim of funding from the arts council.

"I suggest we invite the chairman and chief executive of the theatre's trust to speak to this council, he added."