A HAMPSHIRE civic boss is forcing through the controversial transfer of the Tower Arts Centre in Winchester to a local secondary school.

County councillor Margaret Snaith, executive member for recreation and heritage, yesterday approved the move, ignoring cross-party calls for a delay for further research.

The transfer will almost certainly kill off the centre's evening shows, ending its reputation as a showcase for rising talent. Among performers have been comedians Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, the Mighty Boosh and Sean Hughes.

The decision now means a question mark hangs over the jobs of the centre's staff including its long-serving manager John Tellett.

Cllr Snaith argued that the reopening of the revamped Winchester library in Jewry Street, including a performance space, makes the centre redundant.

Since the Daily Echo revealed the threat to the centre last month a campaign has been launched including a 700-signature e-petition. Kings' School will take over in January 2008 and says it will maintain the centre's classes and community events such as the Battle of the Bands and the Children's Festival.

In a statement, it said: "Our ambition would be to extend our links with our local community and to work closely with schools, groups and existing providers to maximise use of this unique facility."

Campaigner Lynda Banister said she would not give up. "The public reaction has been immediate and powerful. People are saying they are astonished, outraged and horrified'."

Cllr Peter Chegwyn, described the centre as a "jewel in the crown".

"It is a retrograde step that will do enormous damage to the arts in Winchester."

Cllr Snaith replied that the performance space at the library would also be a "jewel in the crown".

She added that transferring the centre - which receives around £100,000 per year from the council - to the school would secure its future.

"The alternative could be to close the Tower Arts Centre, as this is public money we are talking about."

She then said the council had to balance its books, and she had considered the plans for nearly a year.