THE future of an arts and entertainment venue will be secured following thousands of pounds of funding.

The Ropetackle Arts Centre, in High Street, Shoreham, is set to be given a funding boost from Adur District Council.

The future of the community-run venue had been in doubt, with directors launching a Ropetackle 2020 fundraising appeal earlier this year to raise £30,000 to support its ongoing operations.

So far, £40,000 has been donated and on the back of this, following “extensive” negotiations about how the venue will be managed, the council is set to provide another £20,000 of funding for each of the next three years.

The funding comes on the provision of a new business plan being developed, as well as changes to the governance arrangements and new trustees being appointed.

Ropetackle chairman Martin Allen thanked the council for the backing.

He said: “On the basis of this remarkable support, and with certain other measures we are taking to generate revenue and improve profitability, we are not only in a strong enough position to continue to operate but we also now have a sound platform for boosting our funding going forward.

“The level of Ropetackle 2020 donations has demonstrated the value of Ropetackle to the community and to our audiences.

“What is important is that we are able to rely upon continuing community funding as a key element of our revenue.

“It is hugely gratifying that so many donors have agreed to such continuity by way of direct debit.

“We very much hope that as many people as possible will commit to such ongoing support.”

Councillor Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, said: “We have always been supportive of the Ropetackle and want to see it succeed in the long run.

“Now we have assurances over how the venue will be managed moving forward, we will look to move swiftly to release these funds with an urgent item coming forward to next week’s Joint Strategic Committee.

“I sincerely hope the funding will support the ongoing prosperity of this well-supported and much-loved venue which - as the incredible response to the crowdfunding appeal shows - contributes an enormous amount to our area.”

The venue added that Ropetackle trustees would be looking to hold an open meeting later this year to thank all of those who donated and share ideas for the future.