§ Mr. David Amess (Southend, West)I beg the leave of the House to present a petition, which has been signed by 6,000 of my constituents in Southend, West and surrounding areas.
§ Mr. Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Hall Green)Basildon?
§ Mr. AmessYes, perhaps including areas of Basildon.
My constituents wish to express their distress at the closure of the Palace theatre in Westcliff. That beautiful Edwardian theatre was given to the town by Gertrude Emily Mouliott in 1943, and the 6,000 petitioners are very distressed that, having enjoyed productions for many years, the theatre remains in darkness.
The petition states:
To the House of Commons.The Petition of the association known as the Palace Theatre (Westcliff)Declares that the Palace Theatre (Westcliff) is closing and may not operate in the future as a predominantly producing theatre.The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to take steps to ensure that theatres such as the Palace Theatre are able to remain open as predominantly producing theatres.And the Petitioners remain etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.