ARTS lovers have accused council chiefs of ignoring them over the future of Weymouth Pavilion.

Last year leaders of drama and performance groups formed a user group on the request of the borough council to contribute ideas on the future of the theatre.

But they feel they have been left out in the cold despite being convinced they have the answers that could see the venue survive without being a drain on taxpayers’ money.

Simon Raynes, chairman of the group, fears the theatre will end up being demolished if councillors from a working group continue to refuse their advice.

Mr Raynes said: “It’s extraordinary that the amount of experience being offered for free is being ignored by a cash-strapped council.

“Unless it provides the expertise we’ll have only one choice and that will be to close the Pavilion.

“They are just ignoring the offers of help from people who could find a way to secure a lasting solution for the borough.”

The user group is made up of representatives from clubs including the Weymouth Operatic Society, Weymouth Civic Society, Weymouth Drama Club, WOW and the As One Theatre Company.

Mr Raynes said he passed on contacts with lawyers who have helped create a trust to ensure the future of Bournemouth Pavilion.

But despite going to Bournemouth with councillor Geoff Petherick to meet them, he said he had been denied access to working group meetings to discuss creating a trust here.

Mr Raynes, who is also chairman of Weymouth Drama Cub, added: “It looks like they have no intention of trying to find a solution but want to be seen to try.”

Robert Veale, fellow member of the user group, is also convinced that the Pavilion could be saved.

He said: “If the council got its act together the Pavilion would be full and better managed.

“I don’t think it will make a profit as theatres don’t but instead of being a drain on the council budget it could break even.”

But councillor Tim Munro, chairman of the working group, said the group is actively looking to find solutions.

He said: “The user group only represents the theatrical people. We will be consulting with a whole range of people about how we move forward.

“It’s extremely difficult because of how much the Pavilion is taking out of the taxpayers funds.”

Mr Munro said it was the council who arranged a meeting with lawyers who set up the Bournemouth Pavilion trust.

He added: “The council has decided to keep the theatre and the working group is making recommendations.

“We will then invite the interested people for their input.

“But it would be inappropriate at the moment while we are formulating plans.”

Simon Raynes has written to the council detailing his complaints.

He asked why the council wanted the user group ‘and then steadfastly refused to meet with it’.

He referred to a report he wrote for the council which stated a third of the Pavilion’s total audience is generated by not-for-profit shows.