WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre is facing possible closure after Worcester City Council announced plans to cut its grant to the venue by £83,000 next year.

The Swan is currently thriving with a dynamic mix of in-house and touring productions of dance, stand-up comedy and drama. There are also a range of community and education initiatives with three regular youth theatre groups, drama sessions for under fives, educational workshops, teacher training sessions, a writers' group, resident amateur theatre company and annual amateur season.

The council says it has no option but to cut its support to the Swan because of a £400,000 deficit in its own budget.