Panto cancelled because of storm damage

A VILLAGE drama group has been forced to cancel its annual pantomime after their venue suffered serious damage during the recent high winds and rain.
The roof at Thelwall Parish Hall was left in danger of collapse, according to insurers.
As a result, the Bridgewater Players had to cancel their production of “I’m a Celebrity Pantomime Dame – Get Me out of Here.”
The group looked at alternative venues but could not find one at short notice.
Ironically, the panto was written by society stalwart and local playwright Ian Hornby (pictured) who, sadly, died just before Christmas.
Spokesman Andy Rushman said: “The hall’s insurers have assessed the damage and found that water has been getting in through the roof and has saturated the insulation between the roof and the plaster board ceiling. As a consequence, the plaster board ceiling is also wet and is taking the additional weight of the saturated insulation and is, in the insurer’s opinion, in danger of collapse.
“In view of this, the insurer has withdrawn public liability insurance cover until the roof is repaired and the and the ceiling replaced. This means the hall is closed for the foreseeable future.”
It is not clear yet whether the society will be able to stage its April play although alternative venues are being sought.
The society is arranging refunds for people who have paid for tickets.
Mr Rushman added: “The safety of both society members and our audience is of paramount importance to the society. We will return just as soon as Thelwall Parish Hall is passed safe to re-open.”