Town hall closure extended after fire

Image source, Jade Foster

Image caption, Flames could be seen at the top of the HSBC building in Loughborough town centre on 15 March

Loughborough town hall will stay closed after it was damaged by a fire at a nearby bank.

The blaze at HSBC in Market Place, which started accidentally, caused "significant damage" to the roof and upper levels of the bank and also sent a large plume of smoke into the air above the Leicestershire town on 15 March.

Charnwood Borough Council said several metres of the town hall roof had been damaged and there was also some water damage inside.

The local authority added the venue will stayed closed until 3 April.

Image source, Charnwood Borough Council

Image caption, Emergency services at the scene in Market Place

This is to allow additional time for repair and cleaning works on the venue鈥檚 ventilation system following water and smoke damage, the council said.

All performances and events due to take place this week have been postponed.

The council's box office will be contacting all ticket holders to discuss alternative arrangements.