Demonstrators pledge continued opposition to council’s theatre closure plan

Demonstrators have pledged ongoing resistance to the impending closure of a theatrical venue located in west London. The Beck Theatre, situated in Hayes, is scheduled to cease operations on 13 January next year, following a disagreement concerning its lease agreement between its proprietor, Hillingdon Council, and its managing entity, Trafalgar Theatres. During a protest held on Saturday, participants emphasized the significant community spirit fostered by the theatre within the locality. Hillingdon Council stated its intention to find new management for the establishment. The council indicated that it had proposed renewing Trafalgar’s lease for a “peppercorn rent” and would maintain responsibility for structural repairs, but it would discontinue providing a subsidy. The council asserted that this was “no longer appropriate with public finances under such pressure” and it also pointed out that Trafalgar Theatres is owned by a profit-generating entity that distributes dividends. Should an agreement not be reached, Trafalgar’s contractual arrangement would terminate in January, leading to the theatre’s closure while commercial theatre consultants identify new management, according to the council. However, the advocacy group Back the Beck has accused the council of declining Trafalgar’s proposal for a zero-subsidy arrangement over a three-year trial period. The local authority refutes this claim. Trafalgar has consistently challenged assertions made by the council, maintaining that it proposed to operate without a subsidy. Back the Beck also expressed concern that the property might be sold for residential development. Addressing BBC London outside Uxbridge Underground Station, Back the Beck campaigner Jonathan Haynes stated: “We have so many people that come to the Beck, many of which are disabled. “The tickets are affordable; there’s good car parking.”It really brings a sense of community, and in an area where there is a lot of ethnic diversity, this venue brings people together.” John McDonnell, the independent Member of Parliament for Hayes and Harlington, informed the BBC: “They feel that the council has another agenda, which is possibly to let the theatre close and then sell of the land for development. “What we hear, the current operator has offered to run the Beck Theatre without subsidy. Any other council in the country would grab their hand for that deal.” Ian Edwards, the Conservative leader of Hillingdon Council, refuted claims that the local authority declined to accept a new zero-subsidy lease. He informed BBC London: “That’s not true. If they [Trafalgar] wish to make that offer to me, I will take that tomorrow. “The council is prepared to lease this property at a peppercorn rent, with the council responsible for external repair and structural repair but without an operating subsidy.” The council further stated its commitment to diligently ensure the venue’s enduring viability as a commercial theatre. Hillingdon Council constructed The Beck Theatre in 1977.