Jewel in Strabane's crown to be closed on busiest night of year
By Conor Sharkey
CONTROVERSY has erupted over the decision by management at the Alley Theatre to shut the facility on New Year's Eve.
What appeared to a fairly straight forward proposal asking Strabane Council to rubber stamp the closure of the centre on Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Year's Day erupted into debate when a number of councillors questioned why the theatre should be shut on what is traditionally one of the biggest nights of the year.
While James O'Kane suggested that staff at the theatre deserved time off over the festive period as much as anyone, Eugene McMenamin disagreed, saying that it was a business and should be run as one.
"This is one of the busiest times of the year and I don't understand why the the jewel in Strabane's crown should be closed," he said.
Ivan Barr echoed those sentiments, asking why no acts had been lined up for New Year's Eve. He queried who had made the decision not to have entertainment on arguably the most popular night of the year.
"If there is no act booked for New Years Eve, has management pre-empted that we were going to give the go ahead to close?
"Most families would look at the possibility of going out for entertainment on this date and I find it strange that no act has been booked. It would appear that someone has been discouraging business on this date.
"Do we now leave it to all staff in council facilities to determine when they open and close?" Mr Barr asked.
Derek Hussey said he believed the decision to shut the theatre had been pre-determined as booking an act for the festive period had to be done at least a year in advance. He also asked that council look at changing the policy in 2008.
Chief Executive, Philip Faithfull, pointed out that the programme of events came before council in advance of it being published and any queries over opening hours should have been raised then.
With regards to the proposal to allow the Alley to shut on New Years Eve, Councillor Hussey proposed an amendment reading: "That the statutory day of closing for council facilities is Christmas Day and given the need for early booking, it should now be considered that an act be booked for next New Year's Eve".
Despite a backing for the amendment from Councillor McMenamin, the reworked proposal was withdrawn, and the original proposal to allow the centre to close was given the go-ahead.
In a statement yesterday, Council Chief Executive, Philip Faithfull added, "The Alley Arts and Conference Centre welcomes the opportunity to host any entertainment, community and/or schools events over the Christmas and New Year period.
"As no bookings were made for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New Year's Day, a proposal was presented to Council for the closure of the Alley during these public holidays. The Alley Box Office and our Tourist Information Office will be open on Thursday 27th Dec, Friday 28th Dec and Saturday- 29th Dec as usual.
"During the Council meeting on Monday night, some councillors commented that they thought there were opportunities for programming of the facility over the new year period in particular and asked officers to look at possible options for events in 2008. After consideration the Alley box office and Jenka Cafe will now be open on Christmas Eve. The Alley will continue to proactively welcome and facilitate any requests to host events over the Christmas Period in 2008."
