Playhouse is cordoned off
POLICE ISOLATE VENUE AMID ROOF FEAR
THE Whitley Bay Playhouse was cordoned off for more than two hours after fears part of the roof had become loose.
Police were called to tape off the music venue during the height of the winter storm yesterday.
The metal flashing on a section of the roof became insecure and had to be fixed back in place.
Officers were on the scene at 11.30am while North Tyneside council made arrangements for the roof to be secured.
Roads around the auditorium were also closed to minimise risk to any passers by.
Snow and high winds have continued to cause disruption across Tyneside, with an amber weather warning of snow extended until 10am today.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “At about 11.30am, police received a report of an insecure roof on the Playhouse in Whitley Bay due to the bad weather.
“Local authorities have been notified and are getting it secured as soon as possible; however, a cordon has been put in place temporarily.
“Due to the cordon some roads are affected and parking may become an issue for parents picking up children from Marine Park First School nearby.
“The school has been notified and is taking precautions.
“Police are asking people to be careful when in the area due to the high winds and potential damage this could cause.”
It is thought the cordon was removed from outside the Playhouse at around 2pm.
Last night’s Evening With Eddie Hall was postponed due to the “extreme weather conditions” and for “the interests of public safety”.
The event has been put back to Saturday, March 17.