Not quite the last waltz

A petition signed by almost 400 dancers was presented to the council last week calling for the "jewel in the crown of Worthing's amenities" not to be relocated to the Assembly Hall.

But councillor Maurice Tucker told protestors the venue was being switched "to give the Pavilion a clear opportunity to try other things".

Councillor John Livermore handed the petition to councillors on Thursday night, praising the Herald for keeping the issue in the spotlight through our letters pages.

He said: "Fracturing the continuity of the dancing will, in effect, be disastrous."

The "inviting atmosphere and ambience" of the Pavilion Theatre could not be re-created in the Assembly Hall, he told the meeting.

He said many of the dancers, especially the ones who arrived on coaches and stopped off at the seafront, would not walk to the Assembly Hall.

"I feel it is essential this council takes all measures necessary to ensure dancing is not only encouraged but it flourishes," he added.

Feelings were so strong about the proposed move, dancers from Brighton, Steyning, Littlehampton, Dorking and Guildford, added their name to the petition in support of keeping the dances at the seafront theatre.

Despite the petition, the council plans to press ahead with its plans for the changes.

Councillor Tucker said: "Let's get this in context.

"Of the 15 dances scheduled, seven will still be held at the Pavilion

"This is a way of trying to make the best of our facilities as they are at the moment."