WE shared the news that this year’s Sands Centre pantomime will not go ahead, Cumberland Council has confirmed.

The authority said that following the announcement of the temporary closure of The Sands Centre Auditorium, a 'detailed structural assessment' has been completed.

Engineers are now recommending that the auditorium remain closed until the Raac panels in the roof are replaced.

The venue was first closed in early September following 'the change in government legislation' on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Here's how readers reacted.

David Eyley said: "Now is the ideal time to demolish the other half of the Sands and build a proper sports hall, and then build - or convert - an existing building into a proper concert/theatre venue. One that's got comfortable seating, decent acoustics, a big stage and lighting. One that will attract big star names."

Donna Forshaw added: "If you check the website it says it will be in touch in due course when it knows which shows and when they will be postponed to, they're still sorting out when work will be done so obviously takes time to work everything else out."

Heather Davidson said: "Support your local amateur theatre groups instead. Cheaper price tickets and barrels of laughs."

Phil Rickerby said: "Another building that could end up demolished."

Rachel Sharp said: "A real shame about the pantomime. For families, local schools and the cast themselves."

One web user said: "It would not surprise me if it never opens again."