CHILDREN’S TV star Chris Jarvis has led the expressions of shock that Bournemouth is likely to lose its Pier Theatre.

The private company which operates the pier attractions wants to shut the theatre at the end of this summer.

It plans to turn it into an all-weather attraction with a surf training wave, climbing walls and high ropes courses.

The theatre has played host to some of entertainment’s top names over its 51 years, including Sid James, Arthur Askey, Yootha Joyce, Brian Murphy and Les Dawson.

Mr Jarvis, who lives in Bournemouth and became a star on the CBeebies channel, said: “I think that’s tremendously sad news.

“It’s a wonderful venue and a beautiful theatre.

“I know times change but it would be a real shame to lose that infrastructure inside.”

He said theatres everywhere outside the West End were struggling because of the economic downturn.

“I hope it’s not a knee-jerk reaction to the fact that we’re in a recession. I hope there’s a genuine consideration of that,” he said.

“If they’re going to wreck the infrastructure that’s in there, I think that’s just a massive mistake. It would be a terrible shame.”

Ken Mantock, chairman of Bournemouth Civic Society, said: “I think it would be a real shame to lose the Pier Theatre.”

He said the town needed wet weather facilities but added: “They would be better putting that inside the shell of the Imax cinema rather than taking away a theatre.

“I hope the council think very carefully before signing away something that’s been part of the cultural mix for many, many years.”

Tony Hardman, former publicity head for the town’s entertainment venues, said he was saddened. “The thing is, there’s nobody going down there at the moment and there hasn’t been for the last couple of years,” he said.

“It’s a terrible shame because the pier used to have some wonderful summer seasons.”

Frances Cornelius, chairman of Variety Club Wessex, called the news “very sad”.

“They’ve been so good to the Variety Club. We hold a show on the pier every year for 750 special needs children. Everybody works for free and Chris Jarvis always hosts it,” she said.

“It’s sad for the Variety Club but at the end of the day Openwide International have to do what’s best for the pier.

“I’d like to thank them for all the wonderful work they’ve done with us.”