MEMBERS of the public are being asked to submit their views on the future of Stroud’s historic Sub Rooms.

Built in 1834, the venue is the only arts and entertainment facility currently run by Stroud District Council.

However, because of tightening budgets, SDC is now looking at other ways of running the facility.

Last year it spent £415,000 on the premises.

Options to be considered include the district council continuing to run the building, handing it over to a trust or community group or selling the premises to a private company.

Those who use the venue and community groups are now being encouraged to submit their views and suggest other options.

Stroud Town Council is urging as many people as possible to take part in the public consultation being run by SDC.

Mayor Kevin Cranston said: “It is vital for people interested in safeguarding the Sub Rooms as an arts venue to get involved. We’re keen to hear ideas about how it could be made even more popular, changes to facilities or the building layout that would improve visitor experience.”

Public feedback will be compiled into a list of options which will be put to SDC’s strategy and resources committee in January.

The committee will approve a shortlist to investigate in more detail before final proposals are drawn up.

SDC leader Steve Lydon, said: “With councils coming under increasing financial pressure, we have to look at everything we do to make sure that we are providing value for money services.

“We should emphasise that this is just the start of the process to look at options and that no decision has been made.”

The entire review is expected to take well over a year and as options are narrowed down.

A further public consultation will take place in the spring with a drop-in event.

Take part in the initial consultation by emailing subrooms.review@stroud.gov.uk or complete the survey at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SubRooms. The deadline is December 5.