An angry theatre boss claims he is being earmarked for redundancy.

David Smith, administrator of the Connaught Theatre, Worthing, said: "I will fight this all the way."

Mr Smith received a letter from the council on Wednesday asking him to attend a meeting at the town hall today.

It did not mention the word redundancy but Mr Smith said he was certain he was being lined up for the axe.

Trevor Gray, operations manager for Worthing Theatres, received a similar letter.

Between them they have 41 years service with Worthing Borough Council.

Mr Smith said: "To treat us like this is nothing short of a disgrace."

Many residents are now wondering what the future holds for Worthing's three theatres: the Connaught, Pavilion and Assembly Hall.

There has been speculation for months about the possible sale or mothballing of one of the venues, which are heavily subsidised.

Mr Smith, who has been at the Connaught for 18 years and administrator since 1993, said: "It is almost a standing joke at the council that I am a one-man band.

"Whatever happens at the Connaught goes through me. I book the films, the shows and produce the pantomimes.

"I sit at my computer and write the contracts, I organise payments and I make sure everybody is where they should be. I bring it all together."

Mr Smith said he was not entirely surprised to receive the letter. He had already been told he could not advertise next year's panto in this year's programme, which has never happened before.

He said: "I have taken legal advice already and I shall be attending the meeting with a barrister. I am strongly advised that if the Connaught continues to run, even only for a short foreseeable future, then I am not legally redundant.

"If anyone else takes over my job description then legally I am not redundant and I would not hesitate to sue for wrongful dismissal."

Mr Gray, an employee for 23 years, and second in command to theatres manager Peter Bailey, declined to comment, but The Argus understands he is "very shocked".

Councillor Paul High, the council's executive member for leisure and cultural services, refused to confirm or deny Mr Smith's redundancy claim.

John Thorpe, assistant director of leisure and cultural services, said: "All we have done so far is we have said we need to speak to certain staff. I am not in a position to confirm any names. In fairness to the staff involved, it is not proper to speak to anyone about that."

He said the council would not be in a position to make a formal announcement for three or four weeks.

A council insider said: "My understanding is they have been asked to keep it quiet but David has no intention of keeping quiet."

Mr Gray is a regular sight at the annual Worthing Carnival, where he walks in front of a bus in top hat and tails informing the crowds over a tannoy what shows are appearing at the Pavilion.

Coun Bob Smytherman, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, said: "My understanding was nothing was going to happen until the master plan for the development of the town centre and seafront was produced.

"We know the theatres cannot carry on as they are financially."

Coun High said: "You can rest assured the Connaught isn't going to shut."

However, Coun Smytherman has called for the pier, including the Pavilion, to be sold off to a private concern, with the proceeds used to refurbish the Connaught and the Assembly Hall.