"Save the Studio" campaigners ask for your help (Bromley Borough Liberal Democrats)

Bromley Borough Liberal Democrats <info@bromleylibdems.org.uk>

"Save the Studio" campaigners ask for your help

January 13, 2004 1:55 PM

Clock House Lib Dem Councillors Jane Connor, Denise Payton and Reg Adams outside The Studio, Beckenham.

Bromley's Conservative-led Council has threatened The Studio in Beckenham with immediate closure.

Their proposal is to turn the whole building over to the new Leisure Trust, Bromley MyTime.

Save The Studio campaigners are concerned that The Studio has been allowed to run down over recent years. The Council repeatedly cut its subsidy, forcing The Studio to withdraw many of its popular activities. The result has been to effectively close this much-loved venue by stealth.

Save The Studio campaigners say casual letting should be replaced with a well-publicised and balanced programme. They believe that The Studio could, once again, be a popular local venue, providing Beckenham residents with a full range of arts, drama and music events for all ages.

The Studio has earned a reputation for providing innovative and inspiring programmes which have included children's theatre, storytelling, dance classes, ceramic tile making, Buzz activities and outreach activities for local schools. Adults and youths programmes have included an acoustic music club, dance classes, yoga, Alexander Technique, landscaping and garden design. Prior to 2003, The Studio also offered jazz, cutting-edge comedy and a friendly public bar.

Many of the providers have been under pressure to find alternative premises. Until very recently, they thought that the closure option was still being discussed - until they discovered the closure was considered to be fait accompli by the Council and were told that they should remove themselves at short notice.

Some who have previously provided courses in The Studio have found new premises, or have had to close. Few have been able to stay in the area, much to the distress of their customers.

Let the Lib Dem team know what you think

Do you think we should fight to keep The Studio as a community arts and education centre in Beckenham?

Have you, or a member of your family, used The Studio?

If The Studio offered a full programme and was properly advertised, would you use it?

email your comments to reg.adams@bromley.gov.uk