The future of Clacton's only public multi-purpose venue continues to hang in the balance.

No decision over the council-run loss-making Princes Theatre is expected before the end of next year.

Also under threat is the town's other theatre venue, the West Cliff Theatre, which is used for the town's traditional summer show.

A report due to be presented to councillors next week does not recommend closure.

But it states: "The closure of the Princes Theatre would result in substantial savings to the council."

It calls for a number of improvements, including:

Cutting costs by two per cent

Increasing audiences by more than 22,000 between the Princes Theatre and summer show

Increasing the number of events by 211 between the Princes Theatre and the summer show.

One alternative is to transfer the management of council-owned cultural facilities such as the Princes Theatre to an independent non-profit making organisation.

The report points out it would be expensive to set up, costing more than £150,000.

If agreed this would not be for another two years.

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