£56,000 upgrade for Colne Muni in Budget

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced £56,000 worth of funding for the Muni in Colne in his Budget today.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne outside 11 Downing Street, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireChancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne outside 11 Downing Street, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne outside 11 Downing Street, London. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

This follows lobbying of the Treasury by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson and Secretary of State for Culture Sajid Javid, who visited the theatre earlier this month.

The Arts Council has rejected two bids for funding from Pendle Leisure Trust, which runs the theatre, for a new seating system which is integral for the Trust to expand its programming at the Muni and increase participation in the arts.

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A lot of the strategic touring shows cannot be staged at the Muni due to the worn out and outdated seating system due to configurations, staff time to move the seating and, therefore, financial viability.

Mr Stephenson said: “I am delighted George Osborne has recognised how fantastic Colne Muni is and agreed to provide £56,000 worth of funding for improvements.

“This venue, operated by Pendle Leisure Trust, is used by so many local groups, so I am delighted the Chancellor has listened to the case I made for additional funding.”

Mr Osborne said: “Andrew Stephenson is a fantastic local MP for Pendle and I am delighted to be able to announce £56,000 to support the regeneration of the Muni Theatre. This will make an enormous difference to the local community, and will give a good boost to the local economy.”