AS the debate hots up over the future of the Regent Theatre, further discussions are to take place between the Co-op Juniors and the borough council.But both sides emphasise that these talks are "friendly" and not confrontational – but this is the first time there has been any suggestion that the Juniors' Christmas show is anything but a fixture in the Regent calendar.

AS the debate hots up over the future of the Regent theatre, further discussions are to take place between the Co-op Juniors and the borough council.

But both sides emphasise the talks are "friendly" and not confrontational – but this is the first time there has been any suggestion that the Juniors' Christmas show is anything but a fixture in the Regent calendar.

The prospect of bringing in a professional company had always been rejected out of hand by the borough council until a report on the future of the Regent was commissioned last year.

The brief of that was to look at all aspects of the theatre's operation – the only fixed point was that the Regent was to remain an entertainment venue.

Borough leisure spokesman John Mowles admitted that the Juniors' show was not sacrosanct – but also acknowledged that they have a very strong following throughout the area.

No one has stronger links with Ipswich than Mr Mowles – and no one on the council is more aware of the role the Juniors have in the lifeblood of the town.

The fact that he is not able to offer them a guarantee that they'll be a Christmas fixture at the Regent is highly significant.

Others at Civic Centre have even stronger links with the Juniors – current mayor Richard Risebrow is a former administrator for the Co-op Education Department which organises the shows.

His civic position prevents him from commenting publicly on the current situation – but the fact that he still plays an important day-to-day role in the organisation of the Juniors' productions when they're in the Regent enables onlookers to make an educated guess about his private thoughts.