THE closing date for applications for the £50,000 a year post of director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre has been extended.

Advertised for over four months, the job has been empty since January after the previous director quit after three years in the job.

Gareth Lloyd Roberts decided to leave his post to go to “pastures new”, an Aberystwyth University spokesperson said at the time.

Mr Lloyd Roberts took over in 2013 at a low for the centre after the controversial suspension and later retirement of long-time director Alan Hewson.

It came after the facility posted the worst financial results in its history, making a major loss for the third year in a row.

The arts centre posted a loss of £467,000 in 2015/16, eclipsing the £197,000 loss in 2014/15 and the £263,000 in 2013/14.

The centre’s combined losses since 2004, stand at more than £1,725,000.

The centre last made a profit over a decade ago in 2006, when it brought in £20,000.

No reasons were given for Mr Lloyd Roberts quitting the post.

Deputy director Louise Amery - who also served as deputy under Mr Hewson - has been at the helm in the interim.

The closing date for applications for the position, which carries a salary of between £50,618 and £56,950 a year, has been extended until 9 October.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online now