WORCESTER'S Swan Theatre is certain to close at the end of January, it was confirmed today.

The decision, made by the board of directors, comes despite months of campaigning and lobbying to persuade the city council to reinstate the grant paid to the theatre.

City MP Mike Foster, who had argued the Swan could be saved by adding only five pence per week to the average household Council Tax bill, said he was saddened by the decision.

But council leader, Councillor Stephen Inman, has hinted that it may re-open under new management in the near future.

The theatre's lease is up at the end of the month and then it will transfer back to the council, which owns the freehold.

"It is a sad, sad day for Worcester," said Mr Foster. "The city council has killed off the Swan Theatre by their actions.

"They have ignored the wishes of some 13,000 people who signed a petition calling for the Swan to be saved. Their actions throughout the last few months have been disgraceful."

Leader of the council's Labour group, Coun Adrian Gregson, who has been working behind the scenes to keep the theatre open, also blamed the Tory administration for the closure.

"I am very disappointed that the theatre has been forced into this position by the proposals made by the Conservative cabinet," he said.

"I am also disappointed that West Midlands Arts have not felt able to further support the Swan despite some good prospects for the future."

Coun Gregson said some positive work had been done towards building a new arts centre in Worcester and he had hoped to keep the Swan open in the meantime.

"Unfortunately, the progress was not quick enough for West Midlands Arts and not independent enough for the cabinet," he added.

But Coun Stephen Inman said there was still a future for the Swan involving amateur groups and touring companies.

"This will have to be done by bringing in new management and new ideas," he said.

"In anticipation of today's news I have already been in contact with people in the theatre world who could help to achieve this aim."

At the time of going to press, no-one at the Swan Theatre was available to comment.