A MUSICAL theatre group’s campaign to get a council eviction threat lifted has won the backing of a local MP. 

Newport East Labour MP Jessica Morden visited Caldicot Musical Theatre Society (CMTS) last week during rehearsals for a fund-raising show to help one of its members take up a place at stage school in Bristol. 

The society is threatened with eviction by new landlords Monmouthshire County Council which now owns the Castlegate Business Park where CMTS has been based for the last two years. 

The council has suggested the society moves to the new Caldicot Comprehensive School but the society says it is not suitable. 

The council gave the society two months’ notice to quit in May but has now agreed the group can stay until the end of the year. 

The society claim that the council has asked for a three-fold increase in its rent and service charge from £12,000 to £36,000. 

Ms Morden said “The Caldicot Musical Theatre Society is an asset to the community, and along with other community groups they have made tremendous use of the facilities at Castlegate Business Park over the last two years, effectively creating an impressive performance venue from scratch.  “Ever since the news emerged that Monmouthshire County Council would be increasing rents at the site, I have been contacted by many constituents with a connection to the group – members but also their mums, dads, relatives and friends – telling me how much the musical theatre society means to them.  

“I was glad to meet with the group in Caldicot and there was a clear message from all involved that they want the current uncertainty around their future to be resolved as quickly as possible.  

“The group emphasised to me how important the musical theatre society is as a community service – particularly for youngsters and older people – and the way in which it is helping to broaden participation in the arts locally.” 

She added “I am supporting their petition on this issue, and on behalf of the group I have written to Monmouthshire County Council asking that officers visit and meet with the group as a matter of urgency.”  

Some 1,500 people have signed the petition and Caldicot Town Council is also writing to the county council asking for the decision to be reversed. 

To sign the Musical Theatre Society’s petition to Monmouthshire County Council, visit: https://www.change.org/p/peter-fox-save-charity-s-community-hub-from-closure. 

The title of the petition makes reference to Peter Fox, the leader of Monmouthshire Council who is also the ward councillor for Portskewett where the business park is situated.