Lead paint closes venue until December

Dorking Halls is due to reopen in December after the timeframe for works was extended

Works to remove lead paint from the ceiling of a Surrey venue mean it will now be closed until December.

Dorking Halls was due to close until the autumn for works, but tests carried out last month have confirmed the ceiling paint contained lead, which can be a health and safety risk if disturbed.

The council signed off a longer timeframe and more money to carry out works, which will take nine weeks longer to complete than first anticipated.

Mole Valley District Council and the venue apologised to customers, hirers and event organisers for any inconvenience caused.

The halls are due to re-open for cinema screenings in mid-December after work started on Monday.

A Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, will be the first live show to take place there.

Events planned for the autumn may be held at alternative venues or rescheduled.

The council said staff would contact customers individually to confirm alternative plans, rearrange bookings or arrange refunds as necessary.

During the summer, the venue has organised events at other locations and in Meadowbank Park.