THE future of The Playhouse and North Somerset Museum could be under threat.

THE future of The Playhouse and North Somerset Museum could be under threat.

Plans to cut the financial subsidies received by the two Weston attractions from North Somerset Council were unveiled at a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday.

The unitary authority's executive member for strategic planning, transport and economic development, Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, said: "We do not want to lose these items but we have to look at how we might review the subsidies.

"These reviews will be carried out by scrutiny panel working parties with the support of executive members in some areas."

This year The Playhouse received £193,610 and the museum, in Burlington Street £235,290 from the council in subsidies.

Cllr Ap Rees also said the future of Portishead's pool, in The Esplanade and Weston's tourist information centre, in Beach Road, were under 'review'.

The council is facing a £17million budget shortfall over the next two years and needs to find an additional £2million in savings to balance the books next year.

Speaking after the meeting, he added: "These reviews are tailored towards making savings in light of the budget situation.

"It is unlikely the savings from the subsidies will be realised in time for this year's budget. The reason for that is we need the work done properly and it is almost certain we will not be able to implement this straight away.