Protests against Thurrock theatre closure continue

More than 4,200 people have signed a petition against proposals by Thurrock Council to close a local arts complex.

A second protest on Wednesday (November 24) demonstrates the tenacity of the Save Your Thameside campaign, organiser Sam Byrne said.

Thurrock Council received a £191,000 Culture Recovery Fund grant to reopen Thameside Theatre, but has since deemed the complex containing the theatre, city library and museum "surplus to requirements".

"If Thurrock Council get their way, they will provide a nonprofessional community arts offering in a drafty community hall in the middle of nowhere," Byrne said.

"We have written to Thurrock Council about this matter on many occasions and their lack of response and interest in engaging with the people of Thurrock shows their true lack of understanding in the arts, culture and heritage of our borough."

Thurrock Council has been approached for comment.