The community organisation – formed in 1979 – was forced to shut its doors last Wednesday after Wakefield Council slashed its annual £25,000 grant to lower budget costs.

Three workers have lost their jobs at the centre on School Lane, Glass Houghton, but stalwarts say the loss will have an impact on many more.

Author Richard Dunn, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "It's an awful shame that art which belongs to the people has been taken away – the circus was where ordinary people came to share ideas and talent.

"The funding we've lost paid for our three staff members and without them we can't run any projects.

"We only found out about it at the end of March. In that time we've tried to negotiate and have had support but now it's all over. "

Local writers and artists founded the circus, formerly based on Castleford's Sagar Street.

It grew to host a range of arts-based education classes – from painting, publishing and sculpture to computer video training – exhibitions and events, as well as sprouting outreach services in the community.

The nationally acclaimed centre has also nurtured the talent of many creative folk and helped launch their careers.

Artist Harry Malkin – who joined the organisation in 1986 – said: "Through the circus I got my first exhibitions. It's a wonderful place where people can exercise their minds.

"I hope that we can still use the name and that the building isn't knocked down."

Freelance computer tutor Steve Truelove, said: "There was nowhere else like it with so much on offer. People came from all over for classes and there was a real buzz here.

"Everybody loved it because there was less of a formal atmosphere and it felt like a home from home.

"Now we're closed a great part of my life has disappeared. It has been a shock to the community and people are really distressed."

Members of the circus – one of three arts organisations in the district to have council funding cut – still hope to celebrate its 30th birthday next year.

Small projects paid for by West Yorkshire Grants will also go ahead this summer, but the only job for devastated supporters now is cleaning out years of memories.

Mr Dunn added: "We want to offer as much as we can to like-minded people.

"Mostly it is computers and office equipment but we hope other creative groups and artists can use it."

Arts and community groups are invited to the circus on Monday May 12 and Wednesday May 14, between 10am and noon to view no longer needed items available for a small donation.