DAME Vera Lynn has slammed the closure of a popular entertainment venue.

The Martlets Hall in Burgess Hill closed this week to allow for the redevelopment of the town centre and will be demolished.

But Dame Vera, who lives nearby in Ditchling, says she is very disappointed.

She says having been built in 1972, The Martlets has contributed significantly to the live arts scene and community spirit in Burgess Hill for almost 50 years.

With no official plans for its replacement, Dame Vera and her family argue the council’s decision could deprive the town of its cultural core.

Dame Vera’s daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones said: “The Martlets Hall is a significant part of the town’s cultural centre and has touched the lives of numerous Burgess Hill residents.

“It is in small theatres such as Martlets that many of today’s stars have learnt their trade and began their careers.

“My mother is incredibly upset at the news of its closure and believes that it will be a great loss to the community.

“Hosting organisations such as the Burgess Hill Theatre Club, where they stage their hugely popular pantomime every year, and showcasing local musical talent such as Duffill Drusilla Theatre School, it is safe to say that the hall will be greatly missed by many.

“I very much hope a new versatile performing arts space will be built for the benefit of all the residents in the local area.”

Mid Sussex District Council said that the New River Retail development will create “a modern, vibrant town centre for Burgess Hill”.

The hope is to attract big name shops like Next, plus a new Cineworld cinema and restaurants including popular brands Nandos and Wildwood.

They say the project is vital for Burgess Hill.