FURTHER jobs have been lost in Harlech as a question mark looms over the future of Theatr Ardudwy.

Redundancies have been announced at the theatre but the chair has reassured patrons that it “will definitely not be closing”.

The theatre, which is “facing financial pressures”, is due to run a restricted programme for the foreseeable future where events will be scheduled and promoted on a one-off basis.

Due to shortage of “adequate public response”, the theatre is unable to host a regular programme and has subsequently made two members of staff redundant – one full-time and one part-time – according to Theatr Ardudwy.

Ben Ridler, chair of the theatre, said: “Redundancy consultations concluded on Friday, 8 September with staff losing their positions at the end of the month.

“From October the theatre will be run by volunteers until it has re-established a high level of public engagement, by which time staff can be re-engaged.”

There are also problems with the building itself, with the theatre operators in negotiation with landlord Adult Learning Wales about “urgent building issues” – including water ingress following recent weather and improvements to heating. ?

The theatre was closed in October 2016 last year because of health and safety concerns. The closure came just months after a digital cinema costing £100,000 was installed.

The loss of jobs will come as a blow to the local community who are still reeling from the closure of Coleg Harlech earlier this year. However, Mr Ridler is adamant the theatre will not close its doors for good.

“The theatre is definitely not closing,” he added.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News