ALTRINCHAM Garrick Theatre’s bid to overturn a funding cut has won massive public support.

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling on the council to reverse a proposed £21,000 funding cut that could have a major impact on its community activities.

Theatre directors have also met council chiefs to press their case and they have contacted all the borough’s councillors appealing for support.

Geoff Noar, the theatre’s treasurer and company secretary, said people attending the theatre were queuing to sign the petition.

“This affects 35,000 people who regularly come to the Garrick from all parts of the borough,” he said.

“They are up in arms that this grant is under threat.”

Mr Noar said he was ‘reasonably confident’ the council would retain the theatre’s funding.

The theatre expects a decision on the grant within days, as the council’s budget meeting is being held next Wednesday.

The grant helps the theatre to subsidise a host of activities - including ticket prices, the rent it charges to five other theatrical groups who use the premises, and running a weekend stage school.