Carlisle Sands Centre remains closed until Raac roof is replaced

Carlisle Sands Centre's events space was closed in September

Part of a venue will remain shut until potentially dangerous concrete panels found in the roof are replaced.

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

Cumberland Council said the site would shut "for an extended period" and added that its pantomime would not go ahead.

Council boss Mark Fryer said he would know more about time frames and costs after a contractor was appointed.

The assessment of the roof was done 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.

Cumberland Council leader, Mark Fryer, said plans to replace the roof were "underway".

"It is the right decision and one that protects the safety of the public while also providing the opportunity to modernise the overall experience at the Sands Centre," he explained.

• What is RAAC concrete and why is it a safety risk?

• More shows cancelled over venue concrete concerns

• Shows don't go on for theatres with problem concrete

A spokesperson for GLL, which operates the centre for the council, said it would "make every effort to reschedule or provide ticketholders with their available options" once they know how long the work will take.

They advised customers not to contact the box office and said "rest assured that we will be in touch to discuss options with ticket holders once we're able to do so".

The decision to close the events space temporarily does not impact on the day-to-day running of the main leisure centre, the spokesperson added.