LOCAL amateur drama groups who stage productions at the Swan have vowed that they will fight to save it from closing.

Dave Skelton, business manager for Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Society, said it was disastrous news.

"The arts across the board is the lifeblood of a local community - to cut the funding back by such a large amount is horrendous," he said.

"We must do all we can to make sure the theatre stays open. It provides a great deal of enjoyment for a large number of people in the community."

Dave Harlock, chairman of Kays Theatre Group, echoed these views.

"I certainly want to keep the theatre open - not just for the amateur groups but for the good citizens of Worcester.

"The theatre's organising committee have got to meet with the amateur groups to ask what they can do for them," he said.

Jean Glover, secretary of the Great Witley Operatic Society, said the group planned to attend a meeting on Monday about the crisis.

"We have a production booked for April and we are worried about the news," she said.