LIB DEMS CALL ON CONSERVATIVES TO STUB OUT THREAT TO THEATRE

3.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Aug 2007

Cllr Steve Darling, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council, has written to the leader of the majority Conservative Group Cllr Kevin Carroll, seeking assurances that Torbay Council will not be closing down the variety show at Paignton Theatre.

In his letter Cllr Darling says:

I was outraged to read in today's 'Herald Express' (2nd August 2007) that your Council Officers may be responsible for closing down a variety show at Paignton Theatre because there is a scene involving three puffs of smoke. I would be amazed if the Government's smoking ban was meant to cover a situation such as this.

This incident is very similar to that of the Peacock culling incident where Paignton Zoo killed the birds because they feared prosecution from Torbay Council after a complaint about noise.

As you are the Leader of the majority group on Torbay Council, can I have your assurance that your officers will not be closing down the variety show and that common sense will prevail?

I would also like your assurance that your Conservative administration will be looking at the Council's procedures so that incidents such as this and the Peacock culling do not occur again? I look forward to your reply."

Commenting on his letter Cllr Darling said "I very much hope the Conservative administration will be taking a sensible approach to the smoking ban. Closing this show because of a few puffs of smoke would be ridiculous and make Torbay Council look silly."