MALVERN Theatres faces an exciting future after Malvern Hills District Council received two bids to take over its management.

The council is considering the option of a commercial operator for the Theatres, with Surrey-based Ambassador Theatre Group and Malvern Theatres chief executive Nic Lloyd submitting separate proposals.

Mr Lloyd says he believes he has put a plan together that will make Malvern Theatres "the best in Europe".

The Ambassador Group says it would look to secure a 20-year lease in return for a one-off capped contribution of £600,000.

This figure would account for the £600,000 debt resulting from an overspend during the theatre rebuilding project.

The council has promised to consult the public fully before any decision is made. Chief executive Chris Bocock said the two proposals would be outlined to an executive board meeting in August, which would decide what form the consultation would take.

The council will resolve its position at a full council meeting in the autumn.

It will then make a recommendation to the Trust Board, which runs the theatre charity. The board will make the final decision on the future management.

The Ambassador Group refused to reveal any further detail of its proposals but spokeswoman Maggie Webster confirmed that the group had put a proposal to the council.

Mr Lloyd said his plan would make Malvern the base for a production company and touring theatre.

After an initial cash injection from the council and grant support for a five-year period, the theatre could then operate without a council grant, he explained.

He warned that the uniqueness and local involvement that made Malvern Theatres so special, and upon which its commercial success was based, should not be lost.

"All I ask is that my proposal is given a fair hearing," he said.

"If the council makes a mistake on this, it will have serious consequences for the town."