THE FRIENDS of the Winter Gardens say they will campaign hard to keep the landmark building as a theatre.

While accepting there may be some good ideas contained in the latest feasibility study, which suggests the building only has a future as a comedy visitor attraction, they claim the resort still needs a large performance venue.

"Just look at what's happened with the punk festival," said the Friends Chairman, Evelyn Archer, "they've had to take over the market because there isn't anywhere big enough in the resort. We think the building could accommodate a comedy museum and a theatre. You can't have a comedy museum which doesn't have anywhere for comedians to perform. It doesn't make sense. The Winter Gardens stands a much better chance of attracting funding if it is used a venue for theatre, live music and comedy."

With senior officers still investigating the £1.3 million refurbishment deal, the Friends have changed their constitution so that they could take on the redundant theatre and actively seek funding to renovate the interior.

Mrs Archer explained: "We believe the Friends and a special management committee set up by the City Council could take it over, get the public behind them and get out there fighting for funds. There could be a comedy museum upstairs and if Barnfield are owed money, they could be offered a part franchise. The most important thing is the future of the building and the future of Morecambe as a tourist resort."

Do you think the Winter Gardens should retain its theatre use? The Friends of the Winter Gardens would like to know how the public feel about this issue. Call Evelyn Archer on 422180 with your views or write to the famous Citizen letters page.