There was mixed news for south London's arts venues after the Arts Council (ACE) announced its finalised funding cuts today, which left the Croydon-based London Mozart Players (LMP) fighting for survival.

The LMP has had its £160,000 annual grant withdrawn, leaving it facing drastic cuts to continue as one of south London's most popular classical music groups, despite still receiving £93,000 from the council.

Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford also received bad news, when ACE confirmed the wholesale cutting of its annual budget from the end of March because it remained unconvinced by Hounslow Council's commitment to the venue.

This is despite the arts centre's claims that it has not been consulted by ACE on the matter.

In a letter to ACE, Peter Thompson, leader of Hounslow Council, said: "It still seems amazing that the Arts Council can continue to justify these judgements in the face of universal evidence to the contrary."

Among those celebrating was Richmond's Orange Tree Theatre, which had its threatened 17 per cent funding cut reinstated, reflecting ACE's belief in the quality and importance of the theatre's work and recognition of its London-wide reputation.

Croydon Clocktower, meanwhile, saw its funding almost doubled to £101,515 in recognition of its varied artistic programme and strong community and outreach work.

In Wandsworth, Battersea Arts Centre received a 25 per cent rise in grants, while Theatre 503 And Landor Theatre do not receive funding directly from ACE.