Theatre groups threatened with an uncertain future over plans to hike the price of their regular venue will get to have their say on the changes. 

Members of various amateur theatre companies took action when they learned of moves to drastically increase the cost of hiring The Point by Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC). 

There was an overwhelming response to the plans - by email, submitted statements, on a 2,000 signature petition and in person at an audit and resources committee meeting this week - and councillors decided to defer a decision until groups who hire The Point could be consulted. 

(Image: Luke Brough / Southampton Musical Society) READ MORE: New 800-seat theatre worth £17 million will be 'jewel in the crown' of town

The groups put on large-scale musicals, pantomimes and operas involving hundreds of people, several times a year.

But councillors are being asked to consider increases they say could put them out of business. 

Now, the rates agreed will remain for the shows they have already booked in and there will be further consultation before any changes are made.

Mike Pavitt, who is to play Ebeneezer Scrooge in the Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society version of A Christmas Carol in November, hailed it a sensible decision.

He said: "Theatre arts provide such a valuable outlet to our communities and towns like Eastleigh, which need every good reason they can find to attract visitors to spend money in their restaurants and bars.

"This is such an important issue and one which EBC should not underestimate. It is no exaggeration to say that The Point is the only viable venue for a raft of amateur performing groups who wish to produce high quality shows before a decent audience.

"Without this outlet hundreds of performers of all ages would be deprived of their constructive hobbies, which are a social lifeline for many and a foundation for professional stage careers."

(Image: Peter Sillick for Footlights Youth Theatre) Among the submissions were officers and members of 265-member youth group Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre, and representatives of various other companies including Footlights Youth Theatre, Southampton Musical Society and Westfield Productions.

They are also concerned at moves to encourage community groups to use the council's Berry Theatre, at Wildern School in Hedge End, which they say is unsuitable for large casts and without sufficient public transport links.