COUNCIL chiefs are working to make sure people do not lose out because of the devastating fire at the Pembroke Halls on Sunday night.

The blaze, which destroyed the first floor banqueting hall, is set to put the venue out of action for up to six months.

Nine major events were scheduled at the halls in the run-up to Christmas. The good news is that four performances - The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber on December 11, the Olde Tyme Music Hall on December 12, the Good Old Fashioned Christmas Show on December 22 and Mike Sweeney's 60's Explosion on Christmas Eve - have been relocated to the Lancastrian Hall on Chorley Road, Swinton. But five cabaret nights have had to be cancelled - Black Lace, Soul Extravanganza, The Real Thing, Abba Gold and the New Year's Eve Party.

"It's impossible to find alternative venues for these events - either because other places are booked up or because they are too small," said City Venues Manager David Heyes, who looks after the halls.

"We are in the process of contacting everyone who has made a booking for the halls over the next six months, to let them know what has happened.

"We are doing our best to find alternatives for people, but if this is not possible then we will be offering a full refund." Staff at City Venues are also busy looking for temporary homes for regular events at the halls.

The Tuesday and Thursday afternoon tea dances have been moved to the Swinton Palais, Station Road, Swinton, and staff hope to run the popmobility classes at a nearby school.

"We will be ringing all our customers over the next few days, but if anybody wants to find out further information before then, they should phone 0161 793 2435," added Mr Heyes.

The blaze on Sunday night caused around £1m of damage. The Pembroke Halls is the city's biggest venue and was refurbished only last year.

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