Stark warning from Lighthouse Poole over energy bills
The venue could shut during cold weather to try to save money
The boss of Lighthouse Poole has described soaring energy bills as an 'impossible conundrum'.
The arts and entertainment venue is currently on a fixed rate, but that ends in October with a warning costs could go up by ÂŁ850,000 a year.
Chief Executive Elspeth McBain says one option is to close on some days during cold weather.
In a statement, Lighthouse Poole said: "In common with arts organisations all over the country, Lighthouse faced enormous challenges during the pandemic that could only be met with government support.
"Lighthouse is still recovering from those challenges, although this Christmas we have seen audiences returning in ever greater numbers - our Christmas show for younger children, The Jolly Christmas Postman, played to 98% capacity across its three-week run.
"Lighthouse continues to face challenges, including the soaring cost of energy. Although the price it pays for its energy is fixed until October, in the interests of prudent management Lighthouse is considering a number of plans in the event that energy prices continue to increase significantly. We cannot assume that the government will provide support for businesses facing huge energy bills.
"Having retained its status as a National Portfolio Organisation, Lighthouse is grateful for the funding it receives from Arts Council England and, of course, BCP Council, as well as its other funders, including the many donations made by audience members and customers every single day.
"This funding has enabled Poole Arts Trust, the charity that runs Lighthouse, to post an unrestricted surplus of ÂŁ182,568, for the year ending 31 March 2022. This will rebuild our reserves to provide a level of mitigation against the perfect storm of rising costs, increased salaries, energy price escalation, the impact on customers of the rising cost of living and maintaining the building."