THE Brewhouse Theatre, which has been closed since February, is to be reopened by a community group.

Taunton Deane Council's executive committee agreed last night (December 4) to grant a five-year lease to Taunton Theatre Association (TTA).

Members of TTA previously showcased their plans to the council in the hope of taking over the day-to-day running of the 352-seater venue.

The not-for-profit organisation was set up after the sudden closure of the Brewhouse, which rocked the county town.

In its online application to run the Brewhouse, TTA says the yearly running costs of the theatre are an estimated £350,000.

It says 400 people have registered an interest in volunteering and it would employ ten to 12 people in a variety of roles, from a chief executive to café staff.

Taunton Deane acquired the 61-year lease of the theatre building in October after reaching agreement with administrators BDO.