Arts Council England has broken its silence on its funding snub for Oldham Coliseum and said it continues to "invest" in the borough's culture and arts.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre announced this week that it has been forced to cancel all of its shows for the year at the end of March after it was rejected from vital funds.

Arts Council England (ACE) has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds per year into the theatre as part of its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) pot of funds.

However, in November, ACE refused the Coliseum's funding bid for 2023/23.

Following local and national backlash on the decision, ACE has spoken out and said it remains committed to culture and arts in Oldham - and will be working with the Coliseum and Oldham Council to provide some support.

Jen Cleary, Director North, Arts Council England said: “We're backing culture in Oldham and we've ringfenced our £1.845 million commitment for the town so that people don't miss out on amazing creative activities.

"Oldham Coliseum's decision to cancel forthcoming events has been difficult for their staff and all those who love the theatre, and we are speaking to them regularly to support them.

"At the same time we are working closely with Oldham Council on how our sizeable investment should be used to support the future of performing arts in Oldham and we are fully supporting plans for a new performing space for the town.”