Basildon's theatre must be allowed to re-open or be given an emergency support package, the leader of Basildon Council has said.

Gavin Callaghan has demanded the Government allow theaters to re-open or give the industry  emergency funding.

The Towngate theatre in Basildon's town centre will remain closed on July 4 despite other aspects of the entertainment industry re-opening.

Gavin Callaghan has written a letter to Oliver Dowden MP, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, demanding urgent help for the theatre industry.

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He said: "Whilst such safety measures were entirely understandable during a global pandemic, if the government believes that the infection rate is low enough to allow reopening then it ought to take account of the pressures facing theatres and provide support accordingly.

"Cultural venues are the beating heart of any town or city and are some of the main drivers of the economy.

"There are many jobs at risk in the cultural sector but it, in turn, supports a large number of other jobs, and livelihoods, in the wider economy, such as in hotels, bars, shops, restaurants, local taxis and more.

"Basildon Council is fully committed to our theatre and our town centre masterplan makes provision for a new facility, the Towngate Theatre.

"We cannot wait for a budget in the Autumn. We need to see support for arts and the theatres start urgently and continue over the summer so that vital cultural assets can be saved.

"The cultural and creative sector has a huge positive impact on society, across all age groups, on health, wellbeing, and education. Support for this vital sector in these difficult times is essential."