Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 12:45pm

Eastgate at centre of political drama

Councillor Willie Archibald outside the Eastgate this week

PEEBLES' Eastgate Theatre has once again been plunged into a political row over its funding.

At present, the landmark theatre receives a £90,000 annual subsidy from Scottish Borders Council.

And, at the council's recent Executive meeting, a proposal was put forward by local councillors Gavin Logan and Graham Garvie to allow the arts venue to benefit from full rates relief to the tune of £4300.

Up to now the Eastgate has benefited from 80 per cent rates relief.

However, this has rankled Hawick councillor David Paterson who, in an email exchange with council leader David Parker this week, asked: "How do you possibly justify this to hard pressed businessmen and women in the Scottish Borders struggling to get by in this recession."

Mr Paterson is seeking a call-in on the matter whereby if his proposal receives five signatories, the matter will automatically be referred to the Scrutiny Panel.

In his reply, Councillor Parker asked: "How much does the Heart of Hawick cost us in subsidies each year?"

Before adding: "The point I am making to you is that we developed the Heart of Hawick knowing that it would cost us a considerable subsidy per year but we are willing to spend that subsidy because Heart of Hawick is a good thing and it benefits the Borders community.

"Exactly the same arguments can be made about Eastgate, it is a theatre, it provides public access to the arts and, like every theatre that I am aware of similar to its nature and scale, it requires subsidy."

The matter has raised the hackles of local councillors also.

Councillor Willie Archibald said: "Although I don't support councillor Paterson's call-in, I do think he has a case.

"Other halls in the Borders don't get the same level of assistance as the Eastgate does. Carlops Village Hall is well used but has to manage on its own.

"The Eastgate is a commercial enterprise which competes with various other local businesses that don't receive the same concessions."

However councillor Catriona Bhatia takes a different view.

She said: "Arts centres contribute a vital social function and should be subsidised.

"It seems ridiculous to say that if it doesn't turn a profit then it should lose funding. This would only serve to turn the Borders into a cultural backwater."

Councillor Gavin Logan explains his decision in floating the proposal.

He said: "Myself and Councillor Garvie felt that the Eastgate should be put on the same footing as various other theatres and sports clubs in the Borders which benefit from full rates relief.

"This is a fantastic and vital facility for Peebles and should be protected."