Bailiffs threaten to move-in on the Dome

Debt collectors are set to move-in on the Worthing Dome when they apply to town magistrates on June 22 for a permission to cut off the supply. Documents obtained by the Herald show the historic venue in Marine Parade is being pursued by bailiffs under instruction from energy giant Powergen.

If the application goes ahead, the cinema will have until June 29 to settle the account, plus legal costs, or face disconnection.They were handed a written final warning from Powergen last week.

Manager Belle Stennett, from Worthing Dome Ltd, responsible for the day to day running of the building, refused to comment yesterday. Director Colin Bradshaw also refused to talk.If Powergen follows through its threat, the Grade II-listed building may not be reconnected for six weeks, with additional costs of up to 460.

The notice said: "If the warrant is granted you must make sure that you allow access. If we cannot gain access, we will need to force entry...Powergen will not be held responsible for any loss of earnings or other expenses incurred during the period that you are disconnected."

Cara Ponton, Powergen spokeswoman, said: "We can confirm there is an outstanding balance on the account and we will be working with the customer to come to a mutually agreeable resolution."

The cinema is set to close next month for 12 months to undergo a 2m refurbishment after the Worthing Dome and Regeneration Trust Ltd obtained a National Lottery grant.

Leslie Hardcastle, a Dome trustee, said he knew nothing of the bill as the trust oversees the heritage building, not the daily operations.

"I don't know how that can be. As far as I am aware all the bills are paid because the cinema needs that done to run. If I didn't pay my gas bill they would turn it off."

The Charity Commission launched an investigation into the Dome's finances last year following a complaint. The commission found trustees were aware of their responsibilities and had put appropriate financial controls in place. But it also called the trust's financial status with its trading company "unclear".