THE future of a Kent town's theatre - the oldest unrestored theatre in the country - is uncertain.

Staff at the Theatre Royal in Margate could be made redundant in a deal that may see the current operation changed in favour of a more community-based arts project.

At a meeting behind closed doors on Monday afternoon, theatre Trust members heard Thanet council wants to buy the theatre and lease it back to the Trust, subject to an independent survey and valuation.

Seven Trust directors voted for the idea, and five staff members voted against.

Michael Wheatley-Ward, the Theatre Royal’s general manager, has tabled a question to Thanet District Council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel asking for an explanation.

The options will be discussed at a council meeting on Thursday.

Mr Wheatley-Ward said: "The proposal will destroy the Theatre Royal’s highly successful community operation, which enjoys considerable public goodwill.

"It would make five full-time staff redundant, together with casual staff and volunteers.

"We are putting together a full programme for the year ahead that we hope to announce very soon. We aim to remain open and continue as we are now."

A council spokeswoman confirmed that meetings concerning the Theatre Royal’s future are being held throughout the week.

* More details in this week's Thanet Extra.