A HISTORIC village theatre in Wrexham has made good progress despite facing a repair backlog of more than £440,000, a leading politician has said.

A condition survey on the grade II* listed Stiwt Theatre in Rhos was carried out in 2016 and revealed a significant amount of work was required to make it safe.

A number of repairs have been made since then and the board of trustees has reported an increase in visitor numbers as a result.

The body has already raised around £75,000 for work scheduled this year and Wrexham Council’s executive board is now being asked to support a one off payment of £25,000 to assist.

That amount would be on top of £30,000 a year in revenue support to help the trust to put on arts and cultural events.

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for people, said the annual contribution was less than the £40,000 it would cost to mothball the venue.

He said: “The Stiwt is a unique building in the county borough. It’s unique because it’s Grade II* listed building, so it’s unique in character.

“It’s also unique in function because it is a building that provides a facility right at the heart of the community in Rhos.

“It’s clearly supported by the Arts Council, supported by the local community council and the plan is now to continue our support for the next three years to enable the ambitious business plan they’ve put together to be delivered and achieved.”

The authority’s funding for the theatre has been reduced compared to just over £47,000, which it gave in 2016/17.

However, it also benefits from the £30,000 per year provided by the Arts Council for Wales.

The Stiwt Trust holds a 25 year lease and is responsible for repairs and the maintenance of the building.

It was constructed in 1926 at a cost of £18,000, which was funded by a levy of a penny a ton on coal imposed by the Miners’ Welfare Organisation.

Cllr Jones said the works identified this year include creating a new fire escape after an old one was condemned.

Executive board members will be asked to approve the latest funding at a meeting on Tuesday.