THE Milton Rooms in Malton is aiming to become the arts hub of southern Ryedale – providing it can secure financial backing to carry out improvements.

Members of the management committee, which runs the building, are looking for money to move forward with plans to develop the building and provide a full arts programme to attract audiences.

Acting chairman Judy Cliff told Norton councillors at their monthly meeting that the Milton Rooms was run entirely by volunteers.

“We are seeking funding from the town councils because we are struggling to run the Milton Rooms without any financial support or any paid staff,” she said.

“A modest grant would enable us to get match-funding from other places, and move forward with our improvement plans.

“These include employing someone part-time in the office to help us market our events and sell tickets, and to become a more professional operation.

“We also need funding for the architect who is drawing up plans for improvements to the building, including bringing the Assembly Rooms back into use, improving accessibility around the building, providing dressing rooms and replacing the toilets.

“Our best estimate of phase one is £200,000, although obviously we will be better informed after the architects have drawn up plans and done costings.”

Mrs Cliff said that this seemed a realistic figure for them to raise in capital grants from the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Fund as a first stage of the improvements.

“We still want to be a community facility with events including the pantomime, sales and the food market but would like to improve the quality of our art programme. However, without the funding it is very difficult to take risks,” she said. “The Milton Rooms provides immense value for money for Malton and Norton and our aim would to become the arts hub for southern Ryedale.

“We are applying to lots of organisations and charities for money but a small grant from the town councils would demonstrate local community support.”

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams said he considered the Milton Rooms as the “village hall” for the community.

“It is a larger building with the capacity for all sorts of functions and serves both Malton and Norton well so I would be very pleased to support it,” he said.

Councillor Di Keal said the Milton Rooms had great potential to grow.

“It is run by volunteers who work incredibly hard and but by securing additional funding there would be the chance to employ someone who could concentrate on taking it forward,” she said.

Members agreed to discuss the funding request of £5,000 per year at their August meeting.

Members of Malton Town Council have agreed to provide £5,000 for 2015/16, with a further £5,000 potentially to be agreed for 2016/17, subject to a review of the progress made during this year.

Councillor Paul Emberley said: “It demonstrates a strong commitment and a willingness by the town council to assist the Milton Rooms in its exciting development plans for the benefit of the entire community.”