More than 1,100 people have signed a petition demanding North Tyneside Council and the elected mayor Dame Norma Redfearn intervene to secure the future of The Exchange Theatre charity.
The performing arts charity has maintained the lease for The Exchange on Howard Street in North Shields for seven years. However, North Tyneside Council has now offered the lease on a long-term basis to Stonebanks Investments following a tendering process.
The decision has proved controversial with the performing arts union, Equity calling for measures to ensure the survival of the charity.
