CONTROVERSIAL cutbacks at Weymouth Pavilion will mean the loss of six jobs and the cancellation of shows.

Councillors have voted to reduce services in order to save around £120,000 a year from the loss-making complex.

The council's head of financial services Jason Vaughan admitted that the cuts could lead to redundancies but said that workers at the Pavilion would be offered jobs elsewhere with the council.

Tourism and Leisure Services Manager Simon King said that there would be no more entertainment projects undertaken by the council. The decision means the end of 'Tonight I'm Going to Be...' and 'Comedy Live' nights.

He added that the council would still be promoting performances but would no longer be involved in producing shows. Facilities such as catering, which also operate at a loss, would be made available through contracting staff at future events.

Mr King told Weymouth and Portland's Community Regenera-tion and Culture Committee that most of the money saved would come from salaries, with future staff only being employed on temporary contracts.

The remainder of savings would be through reduced advertising, furniture and fitting costs.

The decision was made as part of a review of council spending aimed at reducing a predicted budget deficit of one million pounds.

Councillors shied away from closing the Ocean Room and function rooms to make further savings as discussions continue over the long-term future of the Pavilion.

The committee was divided, with some councillors arguing the decision meant the loss of a good service while others felt it did not go far enough.

Councillor Simon Bowkett said: "Even if you feel strongly about these things there is a cost implication. We can't lose sight of looking at more difficult decisions."

Councillor Peter Farrell voted against the cuts along with Councillor Paul Kimber.

Mr Farrell said: "You have to put it in context - there is not a muni-cipal theatre in the country that survives without subsidies."

The committee's recommendation will be discussed at the next meeting of the council's management committee.