A TRUSTEE of the Milton Rooms, in Malton, has warned that without the help of paid staff the venue’s facilities cannot improve.

Judy Cliffe, who is one of eight trustees, told Malton Town Council that the volunteers were struggling and that a part-time paid member of staff was needed for improvements to take place.

Judy said the member of staff would run the box office, manage the volunteers, support development plans and work to improve the arts programme.

She told councillors: “Without the money to employ someone part-time, we are not going to be able to move forward with our plans and we would have to continue in a rather grimy building. As volunteers we simply do not have the time to do it all ourselves.”

Delivering her presentation to Malton, and some Norton town councillors, Judy said the board of trustees were hoping to improve the toilets, redecorate the building and buy new chairs.

She said there were plans to set up an official box office, start online ticket sales and make the Milton Rooms more wheelchair accessible.

“We need dressing rooms as well. Without dressing rooms we can’t attract travelling theatre companies,” she said. “We would also like to get flexible seating and these are things we want to do over the next few years.”

Judy estimated it would cost between £27,000 and £30,000 to get started on the plans and said they will be asking for funding from Malton and Norton town councils, Ryedale District Council, Malton CIC and would talk to the Fitzwilliam Estate, as well as eventually applying for funding from the Arts Council.

Members of Malton Town Council decided to ask for a business plan and financial projections for the Milton Rooms and agreed to discuss the matter at their next meeting on Wednesday, March 25.