Lesley’s fury over opera funding cut

OPERA legend Lesley Garrett has slammed the "high handed" funding chiefs who slashed the budget of her beloved English National Opera.

- Eugene Henderson

Fearing it will lead to the closure of EÑO, currently based at the London Coliseum, she is backing a campaign to reverse the decision.

A petition set up by opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel already has 37,000 signatures.

Arts Council England removed ENO'S £12.8million annual grant with immediate effect.

It has been offered £17million over three years to develop a "new business model" with Manchester mooted as its new home.