THE community group which was granted the day-to-day running of the Brewhouse Theatre say work to re-open the building is 'non-stop' but 'on schedule'.

An executive panel of Taunton Deane councillors agreed to grant a five-year lease to Taunton Theatre Association (TTA) at a meeting six weeks ago.

The group hope to have the 352-seater venue open by April.

One of the directors Val Hammond said: “We have been non-stop over Christmas and the New Year - it is pretty full on.

“We are still in discussions with Taunton Deane to put the final touches to the agreement so we know what we will be responsible for and what the council are which is very important.

“It is on schedule but the contractors have found more that needs doing like extra equipment but things are starting to happen.”

Val said there has been some structural work to be done and also warned people not to expect too much too soon.

She said: “We do need people to know that it is not going to be a full programme of events straight away, it will be a lot of single events because there is still work we have to do.

“In the first five months, we will still be raising money and we are talking about having a grand re-opening in October.”

The doors at the venue were shut in February last year and the group has said the yearly running costs are an estimated £350,000.

Taunton Deane acquired the 61-year lease of the theatre building in October last year after reaching agreement with administrators BDO.

A spokesman for the council said: “Maintenance and repair work to the Brewhouse is due to be completed by the end of this month and a detailed inventory of assets and equipment is also being drawn up.

“Experts are drawing up a detailed and costed ten-year schedule. Once completed, the council will be able to set out work to be done according to priority and available budget.”

TTA are looking for people to become trustees for the group. If you are interested, visit their website www.tauntontheatre.org.uk, email Val on val.hammond@tauntontheatre.org.uk or write to Ash House, Cook Way, Taunton, TA2 6BY.