PLACARDS urging councillors to save Worcester's Swan Theatre spoke volumes at a meeting last night.

"Save our Swan" and "Keep me Afloat" were just some of the slogans that ensured Worcester people had their say.

Supporters gathered at the community services policy and review committee meeting as councillors discussed the controversial closure.

The placard protest came a day after a crisis meeting was held at the theatre following the announcement that the city council proposed a budget cut of £83,000.

But Councillor Roger Berry told the committee that the first he heard about the cuts was through the Evening News.

He said a discussion about the Swan took place between cabinet members and chief officers behind closed doors.

Coun Derek Prodger, portfolio holder, said the meeting was held as a request from the theatre itself.

"I'm not happy about the way this committee wasn't informed," said Coun Paul Denham.

"Why weren't some papers circulated to us before this account was made public?" Chairman, Coun Adrian Gregson, asked Coun Prodger if there was any discussion about the Swan before the closed meeting.

"Yes, there was," said Coun Prodger.

"I have not got this specific information in front of me."

Campaigners say the budget cut will force the theatre's closure and result in 30 redundancies.

They have said they are prepared to stage demonstrations, organise petitions and a letter-writing campaign and lobby councillors to prevent the cut.

Coun Berry called for a special meeting to be held with representatives from the Swan, Worcestershire County Council, West Midlands Arts Council, Coun Prodger and Coun Stephen Inman, leader of the city council.

Members agreed for the meeting to be held in the Guildhall on Monday, November 4, at 7.30pm.

After the committee meeting, Coun Berry said he hoped the November meeting would ascertain the reasoning behind the recommended cut.

"By cutting off the Swan, £83,000 will be saved, but we will lose grants from the county council and the arts council grant, which amounts to £150,000 between them," he added.