Events space will not open until next year

Carlisle Sands Centre's events space was closed in September

A venue which was closed in September due to potentially dangerous concrete panels found in its roof will remain closed until next year.

Carlisle Sands Centre's events space was closed last year after a change in guidance on the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Cumberland Council said at the time the site would be shut "for an extended period".

Council boss Mark Fryer said on Tuesday the venue would not open until it was "safe and secure".

Mr Fryer made the announcement in a council meeting following questions from independent councillor Robert Betton, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"People need to know about Sands," Mr Betton said.

The roof was assessed after the recent change in government guidance on the use of Raac, which is a lightweight material used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.

Raac was first discovered in the auditorium's roof in 2019.

The decision to close the venue in September meant performances of Shrek The Musical were scrapped, along with three other scheduled events in the month ahead, including The Simon & Garfunkel Story and Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael.