THE re-opening of Worcester's Swan Theatre faces being thrown in jeopardy by Labour party delaying tactics.

The Evening News understands that opposition city councillors are considering "calling in" proposals to put Chris Jaeger, director of the Huntingdon Hall arts venue, in charge of the crisis-hit theatre.

That could lead to a two-month wait while councillors scrutinise the plans - causing the first production in April to be postponed.

The Swan closed last month after the city council decided not to renew a top-up grant.

But some councillors want more time to debate a rescue package, proposed by Mr Jaeger, which they believe has been made in secret.

Only two councillors are needed to call in the plans, and they have five days after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, February 25 to do so.

That would shatter Great Witley Operatic Society's plans of opening the new Swan era with The Pirates of Penzance on Tuesday, April 29.

Labour party leader Adrian Gregson has not ruled out the move, which could equally come from Independent or even disgruntled Conservative councillors.

"The time has come to take the Swan out of the political forum and get on with making the best of the new successful Swan in Worcester," said Mr Jaeger.

But Coun Gregson defended councillors' right to ensure that the right decisions were made.

"All this has been carried out in secret, and the first time there will be any proper public discussion about it will next Tuesday," he said.

He added that, if anyone were to call it in, Tory council leader Stephen Inman was "very likely to blame these people for anything that cocks-up the deal... but the blame should fairly be placed with Stephen Inman for not having a frank discussion about the matter previously".

Councillors would only have 10 days to consider the plans before it was debated before full council on Tuesday, March 4, he said.

But Coun Inman said little would be achieved by calling the proposal in: "I was cross-examined at the community services policy and review meeting. If it's called in, I'll be giving the same answers to the same questions."