MEASURES DON’T MAKE SENSE

COULD I comment in your splendid newspaper on the re-opening of the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn on September 27.

It is advertised that steps have been taken to ensure the safety of returning punters.

Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test is advised. So is mask-wearing and social distancing.

Screens have also been erected around, over or by the box office.

Sanitisers have been installed. Seats have been removed from the bar and seats distanced in the cafe.

Punters can also expect the venue to be cooler because it has been ventillated. They are even advised to bring an “extra layer” (presumably a cardigan, jumper or whatever).

However, the venue is running at full capacity. Even if the auditorium were half-full, social distancing would be almost impossible. Not only that, but punters are advised they can remove their masks when in the auditorium for the duration of a performance. Am I the only one who thinks that there is something wrong and contradictory about this? Does the virus suddenly disappear within the auditorium?

If Halton Borough Council is so concerned about Covid safety, then the venue should remain closed.

If not remain closed, HBC should follow the magnificent example set by the Studio venue in Widnes. The Studio is operating with a reduced capacity and social distancing within the venue in the performances area.

I cannot help but suspect that the reason the Brindley has been re-opened is because it is Halton Borough Council’s “sacred cow”. Logically, the venue should have a vastly reduced capacity at the very least. If it did so, of course, the venue would simply not be viable - hence this hypocritical fudge by HBC.

The fact that it is running at a full capacity renders all the aforementioned safety