THEATRE groups which would be left homeless if Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts (BCCA) is axed say its loss would be devastating.

Question marks also hang over the future of the community theatre ensembles based at the BCCA, which have used the Haviland Road centre for decades because of its specialist theatre space and dedicated prop facilities.

Councillors have voted to relocate adult education classes, which use the parts of the building not occupied by the theatre groups, from the summer because they claim the ageing centre is too expensive to repair.

Borough education chiefs also say that the thespian groups could use theatre facilities in other parts of the borough or perhaps those at Shel-ley Park once it is revamped.

"I throw down the gauntlet and ask them to show me where and how I could access them," said actress Cathy Purrington, who uses a wheelchair and is part of the group DATco, whose members have disabilities.

"The BCCA has been life changing for those of us using and visiting it. Everyone here is very upset. It's such a tragedy."

Bournemouth Theatre in Education (TIE) is also based at the BCCA, alongside TOPS whose actors are learning disabled.

TIE staff have been barred from speaking directly to the media about the BCCA's future, said a spokesperson.

But a freelance TIE actor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "When I came here more than 30 years ago this was a theatre for children and the community.

"Its loss will be devastating and the theatre facilities here are unique to Bournemouth."

The council, however, says no final decision has been made about the BCCA.