Stay of execution - the Spa Pavilion at Felixstowe.

THERE was no time for celebrations today for campaigners – despite winning a stay of execution for Felixstowe’s seafront theatre.

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Supporters of the Spa Pavilion have been given an extra six months to pull together a rescue plan but have been warned not to waste time.

Last night Suffolk Coastal’s cabinet re-iterated its decision to withdraw funding and seek a commercial operator, charitable trust or similar body to run the 905-seat venue.

But it agreed theatre operators Openwide Coastal Limited (OCL) could continue to run it until January.

The Ipswich Star has launched a Save Our Spa campaign to keep the venue running.

Cabinet member Geoff Holdcroft said possibility of an extra six months had arisen after talks with OCL, and would enable eight community groups booked to use the theatre in the latter half of the year to perform their shows.

“I think this will deliver the best value for this council and means effectively 11 months from now before OCL’s contract finishes,” he said.

Mayor of Felixstowe Doreen Savage said the extra six months would give campaigners trying to put together a trust vital extra time.

“It will give breathing space to everybody who is trying to look to the future of the theatre and find a satisfactory way to continue for years to come, which is what we all want. I think there is some light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

Felixstowe councillor Andy Smith said: “Things always take much longer than you hope or prudently expect. I think this is still a tight timescale to get plans for a company or trust off the ground, but this is a much more realistic expectation.”

Trimley councillor Richard Kerry said: “The hard work starts tomorrow – the 11 months will fly by and those trying to save the Spa will need to work fast.”