Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) has insisted it has not withdrawn funding to Somerset's Bridgwater Arts Centre, following media reports last month that had suggested otherwise.

It had been reported that SDC - together with Somerset County Council - had axed support for the troubled venue, which had resulted in all paid staff being made redundant.

However, SDC said Bridgwater Arts Centre was handed "full" funding in early 2011 worth £44,410, with an additional £35,000 made available in November,

A 125-year lease has also been awarded to the arts centre at a peppercorn rent for the first 20 years, which replaces an annual council grant and was signed in June following negotiations.

"By the arts centre having this lease, it enables them to apply for grant funding from other sources, which would not be the case if they did not have a long lease," said an SDC spokesperson.

Details: www.thisissomerset.co.uk