Jobs set to go at city's theatre

The theatre opened its doors again in Decmeber

A number of jobs are to go at a Devon theatre it has been announced.

The Northcott Theatre in Exeter reopened in December after a £2.1m revamp.

Its board announced proposals on Wednesday to reorganise the theatre as part of a plan it says will "revitalise the theatre for the future".

The number of people employed is estimated to be cut from 59 to 54. Staff have until 9 October to give their comments.

'Last resort'

Chairman Stephen Gratton said: "The proposals are designed to save on running costs and increase flexibility.

"Job losses are a last resort, but we feel the changes needed to the theatre are so wide-ranging that some redundancies will be inevitable."

Fifteen existing posts will be discontinued and 10 new posts will be created to focus on the creative programme, customer services, fundraising and IT.

The theatre risked losing its annual £547,000 grant - about a third of its income - from April 2009 as part of national cuts earlier this year.

A high-profile campaign was started to save the theatre and a 26,000 signature petition was handed in at a meeting of the regional Arts Council in Exeter.

The Arts Council later agreed to continue funding until 2011 but said the theatre must become a "centre of excellence".

The reorganisation plan will be finalised on Monday 13 October.