FINANCE bosses claim action has been taken to prevent serious financial control issues from happening again at a Clacton theatre.

An investigation was launched into the running of the council-run Princes Theatre and Princes Youth Theatre, which overspent by £53,000 in 2007/8.

An investigation into the “significant” overspend found there was missing paper work and a lack of budget controls at the theatre.

The Princes Theatre overspent by £29,000, and the Youth Theatre overspent by £24,000.

Speaking at a meeting of the council’s audit committee, Peter Halliday (Con, St Johns), said: “The shortcomings are horrendous.”

Mr Halliday also inquired whether the previous manager of the theatre had been sacked, but was told that was not part of the remit of the committee, which was looking at the audit procedures that need to be put in place to prevent a similar overspend.

Council officer Steve Blake said all the issues related to a period prior to the new manager starting at the theatre.

“I have had a long discussion with the head of leisure services and the youth theatre manager,” he said.

“The protocols and practices are now far more satisfactory than they were previously.”

Karen Neath, head of financial services, said the overspend had been an issue of concern, but that the correct action has been taken to prevent it from happening again and that a follow-up audit is also planned.