Cash Threat To Windmill

Groups using the Windmill for dance, drama and music performances have been told in a letter from the management that Arun is considering all the options how the theatre/cinema is run.

Earlier this month an Arun committee agreed that those options should include setting up a trust, a private takeover, or even closure although council leader Derek Whittaker told the Gazette yesterday (Wednesday) he did not want to see the Windmill close.

It costs the council around 150,000 a year to keep the Windmill open, and a huge bill is looming of up to 500,000, to provide new seating, roof repairs and other refurbishments.

Eileen Chandler, whose Chandler Variety Company regularly appears on the Windmill stage, said she was shocked to receive the letter.

"It s a very popular venue, really the only performance venue in the town. We need a theatre it seems strange when there are all the efforts to build up Littlehampton that they should even be considering closing the Windmill. That would be such a shame."

Judy Webb, secretary of children s theatre group, Spotlight, said it held rehearsals at the Windmill every Saturday, as well as three shows a year.

"I don t know where we would go if it wasn t available. In the three years we have been going, we have had to keep moving because we have got bigger and now 70 children come each Saturday. The Windmill is ideal, with all the lighting and the entertainment licences.

"I know the other groups, Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society, Littlehampton Players Operatic Society and Stagedoor are also worried about what is going to happen.

"Money has to be spent on the Windmill to bring it up to standard and Arun should see that as an investment in the town."

For more reaction, see the Gazette, January 31.