MORE than two million pounds is to be cut from Barrow Borough Council's budget, meaning the future of a much-loved amenity hangs in the balance.

A meeting held tonight will discuss the future of The Forum, in Duke Street, and how best to tackle the £2.37 million which needs to be saved.

Chairing the meeting is Councillor Shaun Blezard, elected member for Dalton South and he is calling on residents to attend in their droves to help iron out the plans.

He said: "The council is being forced to make £2.37 million worth of savings due to central government cuts, and the economic help (subsidies) it gives to The Forum and its user groups is likely to be part of this restructuring."

"The council proposes saving £470,000 by outsourcing services for the Forum and the Park Leisure Centre, but these proposals are not set in stone.

"These savings have to be made but the council is looking at ways to protect the venue that is such a huge part of the community in Barrow."

It is hoped the meeting will give locals who use The Forum a chance to air their views and allow council staff to have their say. Cllr Blezard added: "It is an open conversation for everyone to be heard and to look at how we might move forward.

"It is vital that the Forum continues to be at the heart of our community, but these savings have to be made and I ask all user groups and stake holders in The Forum to come to the meeting so we can start to look at positive ways together to protect the venue in an uncertain future."

The meeting will be held in the Studio at The Forum, tonight from 6.30pm.