BRIDGWATER Town Council has responded to claims made by one councillor that Bridgwater Arts Centre is projected to lose nearly £150,000 this year. 

At a recent Town Council Meeting, Cllr Diego Rodrigues questioned the Town Council’s management of Bridgwater Arts Centre, which he claimed is “looking at a projected loss of £148,262 for this year.”

Issuing a response, a spokesperson for Bridgwater Town Council said: “Bridgwater Arts Centre, funded and managed by Bridgwater Town Council, has seen an increase in costs this year due to higher staff numbers and increased maintenance of the Grade I listed building.”

“The fall in income is attributed to different accounting methods, with the former tenant including PRS income and fees in box office income, which are now separated out.

They added: “Although bar takings have decreased, the Council is developing new activities to boost bar revenue and footfall. We have launched a new Facebook page due to difficulties in taking ownership of the previous page, which has impacted our marketing efforts.”

“The new Town Hall and Arts Centre Manager is working on a business plan that will shape future programming and activities. We welcome community feedback on what they would like to see at Britain’s first Arts Centre and will be launching a survey in the coming weeks.”

The spokesperson ended: “At the Full Council meeting held at Bridgwater Arts Centre on Thursday, 17 October, the refurbishment plans, and tender award for the works received unanimous support from Councillors, demonstrating cross-party backing for the Arts Centre’s future.”