BESTSELLING author Philip Pullman has described as “barbarism” proposed cuts to the arts an East Oxford theatre says could hit vulnerable young people.

Mr Pullman, a patron of Pegasus theatre in Magdalen Road, said: “Countless numbers who enjoy music or theatre or reading and talking about books know what an immense difference these things make to our lives and to our vision of a decent and civilised nation.”

The Cumnor author, who penned the His Dark Materials trilogy, added: “The amount needed to keep the arts and the libraries flourishing is a pitifully small sum in comparison with other government spending. To let such things die is the mark not of prudent accounting but of barbarism.”

There are five days to go until Oxfordshire County Council ends its public consultation on up to £52m of savings in the coming years.

Pegasus said it could be forced to cut its services if the council opts to axe its £68,266 of arts funding from 2018 . They are now urging residents to get involved with the consultation on the cuts, which ends on Monday.

The county council is proposing to withdraw its annual £92,000 of funding for arts and cultural organisations from 2018/19 as part of plans to save £50m.

Last year the funding enabled the charity to work with almost 4,000 young people up to the age of 25 during arts-based projects, workshops and courses.

Pegasus artistic director and CEO Jonathan Lloyd said withdrawing its core funding would have a “devastating and disproportionate impact” on its service.

He added: “We have been able to work in partnership with organisations and charities across the county to deliver a wide range of projects benefitting the health, education and emotional support of young people.”

General manager Kate Whiting said Pegasus, which needs £850,000 each year, gets core funding from Oxford City Council and the Arts Council but still has to raise at least £250,000. She added: “For a number of the young people we work with, their life is incredibly unstable. We are able to provide a safe space, a place where they can explore their emotions.

“Often we are the only place that can provide that alongside turbulent times in their lives. There will be an increased need if services like ours are not provided .”

County council spokesman Paul Smith said its priority was services for the most vulnerable residents, including children at risk of abuse and neglect, as well as adults needing care help. He added: “Should the arts grants option ultimately be taken we would want to do it over time so that the recipients have the chance to find alternative sources of funding.”