A theatre has received funding from Hertsmere Borough Council to help it continue providing its full programme of shows for the coming year.

Borehamwood’s Ark Community Theatre, in Thrift Farm Lane, will receive funding from the council to enable it to sustain its full cultural programme for this academic year, following agreement by the executive this week.

Councillors agreed to the request from Hertswood Academy, which maintains and manages the theatre, for a one-off grant of £25,500 to enable the theatre to maintain its programme until its planned closure in August next year ahead of redevelopment plans.

Council leader Cllr Morris Bright said: “Without our financial support, the theatre has indicated that it would struggle to continue to operate its full programme, so we have stepped in to ensure that The Ark’s excellent range of cultural activities can be sustained.“

Cllr Brenda Batten, who is responsible for leisure, culture and health, added: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to support the theatre in this way so that it can continue to be a key community hub for this academic year.“

To find out more about The Ark and its forthcoming productions, visit www.thearktheatre.co.uk