EAST Lancashire theatre-goers got a surprise Budget boost when Chancellor George Osborne gave Colne Muni a £56,000 grant for new seating.

Just weeks ago Pendle Leisure Trust’s bid for funding to refurbish the theatre was rejected by the Arts Council for the second time.

The cash is needed for a new seating system and to enable the trust to expand its programming at the Muni and increase participation in the arts.

MORE TOP STORIES:

A lot of the strategic touring shows cannot be staged at the theatre because of the worn-out seating system making its financial viability uncertain.

New seating for the whole theatre, including the balcony and the stalls, will now hopefully be installed in July, during a quiet time in the events programme.

The trust contacted Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson MP asking for his help and he arranged for Culture Secretary Sajid Javid to visit the Muni on March 10.

The cabinet minister and Tory backbencher spent the next week lobbying Mr Osborne to provide the cash directly to avoid further delay.

In the budget on Wednesday, the Chancellor announced a special £56,000 grant allowing the refurbishment to take place.

Phil Storey, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “The seating at the Muni theatre was in poor repair and needed replacing.

Mr Stephenson said: “I am delighted that George Osborne has agreed to provide £56,000 worth of funding for improvements.”

Mr Osborne said: “I am delighted to be able to announce £56,000 to support the regeneration of the Muni Theatre.

“This will make an enormous difference to the local community, and will give a good boost to the local economy.”