Council's pledge to support Norden Farm

Councillors have agreed to carry on giving money to Norden Farm Centre for the Arts but say concerns need to be addressed about its governance and financial management.

The cabinet was presented with a 164-page report last night detailing an investigation carried out into the workings of the Altwood Road venue.

Members agreed to negotiate a new service level agreement with Norden Farm and work with it to resolve the issues.

They include details of the reason why members of the local arts community and the council have not been on the board since 2002.

Councillor Simon Dudley, cabinet member for adult and community services, stressed the Royal Borough would continue to support the arts centre.

He added: "Everyone is in agreement that Norden Farm is a valuable facility for the community. It's something we all want to see prosper and have a sustainable future."

Cabinet members agreed for the council to provide Norden Farm with 'no less financial support than we do today in the current service level agreement' – £100,000 in 2011/12.

They made a number of recommendations to help the centre find its way to a more secure future.

For a full report of the meeting see next week's paper.