Events and wedding venue shuts suddenly
Cumberland CouncilAn events and wedding venue has been shut suddenly for "safety improvements".
Cumberland Council said it had made the decision to temporarily close Whitehaven Civic Hall together with operators Rosehill Youth Theatre trust.
A spokesman for the Labour-led authority said alternative arrangements were being discussed for planned events, including weddings.
He said: "The closure decision follows recent inspections which have concluded that the current arrangements need to be improved." The council did not specify what issues needed to be addressed, but said the adjoining library was not affected.
"The council's ceremonies team are working closely with those couples who have weddings planned during the period of the temporary closure to ensure they have support to find alternative venues," the spokesman added.
The council said it hoped the building would reopen by summer and added the building's future "will be considered as part of the work to develop a masterplan for Whitehaven".
Events scheduled to take place this month at the Solway Hall, the building's main events space, include a K-pop tribute concert and a Frankie Valli tribute band.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, executive member for assets, said: "Closing a much-loved community building, even temporarily, is not one we take lightly, however, keeping staff, tenants and members of the public safe is our top priority."
Several venues in Cumbria have been closed due to issues with their buildings, including the Forum in Barrow and The Sands Centre in Carlisle.
