THOUSANDS OF people have signed a petition calling for a replacement for a much-loved Scottish theatre.
They are insisting the show must go on in Musselburgh after it was decided last week to mothball the Brunton Theatre because of “significant” structural issues.
Around 3000 people signed the petition within days of its launch with hundreds of names added daily and its target of 2500 is now revised to 5000.
Opened by the Queen Mother in 1971, the Brunton has been “the beating heart of arts and theatre” in East Lothian for decades, according to supporters.
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Without a replacement, the region will become a “cultural wasteland” with a knock-on effect on businesses and the wider economy, they claim.
The theatre was closed 18 months ago after potentially unsafe RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was discovered.
East Lothian Council agreed last week that fixing the problem would be “unaffordable” and it should be mothballed indefinitely pending a decision on whether it should be pulled down.
The petition, launched by Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) member Mark Becher, calls on the arts facility to be replaced.
“As the fastest growing region in Scotland with an ever-increasing population, East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government must act to ensure that East Lothian continues to have a centre dedicated to the promotion of the arts – otherwise, the region will become a cultural wasteland with the poorest facilities for theatre and music in more than half a century and in comparison with the rest of the central belt in Scotland,” it states.
“The significant economic impact for Musselburgh and the surrounding area having a thriving theatre and arts centre cannot be underestimated.
“Investment in a new Brunton Theatre and Arts Centre will bring undoubted financial and economic benefit for businesses in Musselburgh and in East Lothian as a whole.
“The arts in East Lothian truly do matter and we ask our leaders to show ambition and vision in committing to replacing the Brunton with a new fit-for-purpose performing arts facility for the years ahead.”
Brunton Theatre Trust is also calling for urgent support to ensure the show will go on.
Chair Michael Stitt said: “The Brunton Hall was a vital community hub for East Lothian providing a space for arts, culture and community to come together, and where audiences were always warmly welcomed.
“However, the show must go on for the people of East Lothian and we are now calling for urgent support to make this happen.
“We also stand with the local community in asking East Lothian Council to rebuild a purpose-built home that places arts and entertainment provision at the heart of the region as a priority.
“In this challenging financial climate, decisions on the future of arts and entertainment across Scotland and East Lothian are critical for local communities,” Stitt added.
“Theatre and cultural experiences make a significant economic, social and cultural contribution to the communities in which they are based.”
Stitt added: “For decades, the Brunton Hall and the Brunton Theatre Trust have played a central role in East Lothian – making world-class arts, entertainment and creative learning accessible to all, boosting wellbeing, and attracting visitors who invest in local businesses nearby when they’re here.
“The people and businesses of East Lothian need and deserve a thriving hub of culture and creativity to safeguard these benefits and ensure East Lothian Council’s vision of an ‘even more prosperous, safe and sustainable East Lothian’ is realised.”
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “At Tuesday’s meeting of East Lothian Council, elected members approved the closure and mothballing of the Brunton Hall, with temporary alternative arrangements for service delivery to be put in place in the coming months.
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“Alternative performance venues in Musselburgh and Haddington are already being used by the Brunton Theatre Trust.
“A report presented at Tuesday’s meeting highlighted that permanently addressing RAAC issues at the Brunton Hall is unaffordable and that the preferred option is to demolish the building.
“However, no formal decision on demolition has been made at this time, with members agreeing that a statutory consultation will be undertaken, as the building is a common good asset,” the spokesperson continued.
“Councillors also agreed that a place-based development project to prepare options for future service delivery, ensuring accommodation of the arts in Musselburgh would be undertaken.
“The results of this and the consultation exercise, are to be reported back to a future council meeting for a decision to be taken.
“Although we are not in a position to confirm timescales or specific options at this stage, we look forward to working with the community and our partners on this going forward.”
https://www.change.org/p/the-brunton-must-be-replaced
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