The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre has signed a 30-year lease with the council this week.

The council-owned building based on Local Board Road is the former pumping station, which supplied water to the Watford area.

In the early 1970s the building was converted to provide a theatre auditorium, rehearsal room and live music venue.

Lee Farman, chair of the Pump House Trust, said: "We are very excited because, now we have secured the future of the Pump House, we can continue to make improvements and invest in the building for our audiences and community of users."

As well as providing facilities for local arts groups, the Pump House hosts a wide range of theatrical performances alongside weekly activities including a drama school, hoopdance classes, Morris dancing, a folk music club, open mic and regular jazz nights.

Roger Pidgeon, one of the trustees who negotiated the lease, said: "This is good for us, as we are in such a great building in a fantastic town centre location; and good for the council because we'll continue, over the next 30 years and more to provide a great resource for Watford."

Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "This is a win win situation.

"The Pump House are among our best tenants. The trustees look after this amazing building; providing excellent community facilities and activities - all at no cost to the tax payer."

For more information please visit www.pumphouse.info or call 01923 241362.