NEW sound and lighting equipment is on the shopping list for drama and music lovers in Alsager thanks to a National Lottery boost.

The town's Arts Centre has scooped a grant of £86,598 from the Arts Council to improve the technical facilities which were last upgraded 24 years ago.

The money will be spent on improving the sound, lighting, wiring and blackout system for the windows at the Alsager Campus based on Hassall Road.

A blackout system for the windows is essential for many productions and until now there have only been ordinary curtains.

Co-ordinator Neil Mackenzie said the Centre had been struggling with old equipment and wiring for many years in the Dance Studio and Axis Theatre, which is often used by the university and by other groups during the holidays.

"It's really not been great showing the national and international touring theatre and dance companies that come here what we have for them to work with," he added.

"This will mean being able to do things properly for once, and being able to attract more technically demanding work into the region."

Congleton MP Ann Winterton congratulated the Arts Centre on its success and said: "It provides venues for contemporary and innovative small scale performances as well as the visual arts.

"I understand that this award will go towards the technical refurbishment of the Axis theatre and Dance Studio thereby enhancing its capabilities and reputation. I look forward to attending a performance and seeing the results."

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