Thousands speak out on Playhouse

Sevenoaks Playhouse has been shut for nearly a month

More than 2,000 people have had their say on the future of entertainment and arts facilities in a Kent town.

A public consultation was set up after the Sevenoaks Playhouse shut in July.

Financial problems led the cinema and theatre complex to close, and Sevenoaks District Council has since been asking people what should happen to it.

The consultation, which ends on 31 August, has seen 425 online surveys completed and 1,750 people filling in questionnaires in the Playhouse foyer.

Councillor Felicity Broomby said: "I would urge anyone who hasn't had their say on the... provision of arts in the town to get down to the Playhouse."

The council was handed back possession of the building on 28 July.

It hopes to have a new organisation running the complex in some form by the new year.

Members of the public can comment on whether Sevenoaks needs a theatre and cinema, what sort of facilities the complex should offer, and what types of productions or films should be shown.