A HOST of local businesses are among the creditors facing losses totalling thousands of pounds as the Exeter Northcott goes into voluntary liquidation.

The theatre had debts of more than £830,000 when it went into administration in February.

Joint administrator Ian Walker, of Begbies Traynor, has said that creditors are likely to receive a dividend of 50p in the pound once the failed company's assets have been sold, but it is likely to be several months before they receive any money.

EIC Exeter Ltd, parent company of South West Metal Finishing, is owed £13,237 in rent for a building on Marsh Barton used by the theatre for making and storing scenery.

Director Richard Jacobs said: "I just think the whole thing has been badly handled. I have worked with the Northcott theatre for more than 20 years, and nobody bothered to give me a ring to say there was a problem and see what we could do about it."

Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, which was called in last year to assist the Northcott with problems in its finance department, is owed £5,450.

Some £1,356 is due to Stage Electrics and £1,134 to St Thomas Stationers, while other creditors include suppliers to the Northcott's bar.

Christopher Piper Wines, of Ottery St Mary, is owed £1,287, while £421 is outstanding to Otter Brewery, £192 to O'Hanlon's Brewing Company, £143 to the Exeter Brewery and £119 to Sowton-based Miko Coffee South West.

Patrick McCaig, sales and marketing director at Otter Brewery, near Luppitt, East Devon, said: "We were very sorry to see an important artistic venue in Exeter go into administration.

"Unfortunately, we have taken a hit, but this is the nature of the times we are in.

"All I care about is that it doesn't reduce the cultural opportunities in Exeter, and we look forward to supplying the theatre when it comes back next time."

As the Echo has previously reported, organisations including Exeter Phoenix and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are angry that the Northcott used income from tickets it sold on their behalf instead of forwarding or holding on to the money. The orchestra is owed £133,000.

Elsewhere, Exeter taxi firms A1 Cabs Contracts and 1st Call Private Hire are owed £544 and £115 respectively. Other debts include: £440 to Exeter Housekeeping Services; £347 to Kallkwik; £216 to DB Sound & Lighting; £179 to South West Water; £138 to Eclipse Internet; £305 to St Leonard's Church and £200 to Heavitree United Reformed Church.

Plans for a new company to take over the theatre are being finalised by Exeter City Council, the University of Exeter and the Arts Council.