Motherwell pantomime cannot take place this year

Culture and Leisure NL always said it would hang fire on a decision regarding the pantomime at Motherwell Civic Centre this year, until this month.

However, there is sad news now for its many fans.

A spokesperson for Culture and Leisure NL said: “Unfortunately due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel our Winter 2020 pantomime.”

The spokesperson acknowledged that a number of other leisure centres and libraries have still to open - but that dates will be announced in due course.

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre, Motherwell library and Ravenscraig have re-opened but no other libraries have - and the Aquatec and The Sir Matt Busby sports complex in Bellshill remain shut.

The spokesperson said: “Our leisure centres and libraries are re-opening on a phased basis, with a number already back in operation. We are committed to delivering our services in a ‘Covid Secure’ environment to help make our facilities as safe as possible for our customers and staff.

“We will share more details about our phased approach to the reopening of our services and venues when we are confident we have plans that meet the needs of everyone. We will continue to keep our website and social media channels up-to-date, in line with government advice.”