Public invited to attend talks on future of resort theatre

A brains trust called the Futurist Task Group, formed to identify a strategy for the development of the Futurist site, is to thrash out its ideas with theatre experts and community leaders.

But the public will be allowed to sit in on the discussions in the public gallery to avoid any suggestion that the fate of Scarborough's biggest theatre is being decided behind closed doors.

The seafront venue where some of the biggest names in showbusiness trod the boards has been under caretaker management since leisure giants Apollo pulled out of running the attraction.

Scarborough Council has announced it will be holding sessions with commercial property and theatre industry consultants and invited local stakeholders next month.

The meetings will give the task group's members an opportunity to listen to presentations on commissioned reports, pose questions and find out more information to help develop their work.

The task group's chairman, David Jeffels, a guiding light in the local and national tourism industry, underlined the aim was to be as transparent as possible.

Coun Jeffels added: "All members of the task group are really looking forward to the forthcoming sessions.

"They will give us an opportunity to put challenging and comprehensive questions to the consultants and to find out the views and ambitions of local stakeholders."

The sessions will take place in the Council Chamber in Scarborough on Wednesday, June 9, at 11am, on Tuesday, June 15, at 5pm, and on Thursday, June 17, at 5pm.