ONE of Oxfordshire's top theatres is preparing to shut down for three months.

The Theatre at Chipping Norton has decided it cannot allow any more leaks through the building's gallery roof and needs to sort out the problem as a matter of urgency.

But exactly when it happens depends on planners.

Provided West Oxfordshire District Council's uplands planning sub-committee gives the go-ahead for structural changes on Monday, work can begin in the summer.

The Theatre's management is keeping its fingers crossed because it has only booked a programme of shows, films and music through to July 15.

Chris Durham, general manager at the Spring Street venue, said: "We do have a Plan B, with ideas up our sleeves, in case things don't go to plan.

"But the work needs doing. Regardless of what happens, we have to do something about the leaks - even if it means putting a tarpaulin over the flat roof."

Architects have come up with designs for a pitched roof which will also provide an extra working area for the youth theatre and allow for more workshops.

The council's planning department has received objections from four nearby residents in Goddards Lane, Horse Fair and Spring Street. They claim they will have to put up with extra noise and loss of light to their properties.

Planning officer Jonathan Westerman, however, is recommending approval with strict conditions on the materials used.

The Theatre attracts 47,000 customers a year - 60 per cent of them from outside west Oxfordshire, boosting the management's claim that their presence is a vital part of the area's tourist industry.

Mr Durham added that the design, aimed at solving the leaky roof, also allows them some additional space in the listed building.

"It's extremely useful given our cramped site. We have a strong youth theatre and there's always been demand for more opportunities for them with workshops."

Whatever happens, The Theatre's popular summer holiday youth scheme will be going ahead in village halls and schools across the district.

If the plans are approved, the last show for a while will be on Sunday July 15 at 8pm, with the British swing band King Pleasure & Biscuit Boys.