Resignation of arts chief will have ‘no impact’ on North Walsham venue

North Walsham High School has reassured the community about the future of the town's Atrium, following the news of the resignation of Joseph Ballard, chief executive and artistic director of Arts North Norfolk.

Notes on posters advertising forthcoming events urged visitors to call a number linked to Coast Arts for more information and refunds.

School business manager Nicki Everitt said: 'Media reports that Mr Ballard was responsible for the Atrium are simply not correct. The Atrium is owned by North Walsham High School, and has been directly managed by us for two years now.

'Arts North Norfolk is one of a number of community organisations which we welcome into the Atrium to make use of the facilities, and we will continue to do so.

'Other than the fact that Arts North Norfolk uses the Atrium facilities, there is no connection between that organisation and the Atrium, so the resignation of Mr Ballard will have no impact on the future of the building, nor its availability for local community organisations to use.'

The trustees of Arts North Norfolk have insisted that all the shows listed in the autumn programme will be going ahead as normal.

They state: 'Joseph Ballard is no longer employed by the organisation but the trustees remain committed to the charity and continuing all the good work that has happened over the last three years.'