Customs House in South Shields will 'operate as normal' during coronavirus outbreak until told otherwise

A South Shields theatre will remain open until it is “directed by the national government” to close as other events and performances across the country are cancelled amid coronavirus fears.

By Ryan Smith

Published 16th Mar 2020, 13:21 BST

Updated 17th Mar 2020, 10:34 BST

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Ray Spencer MBE, who is the Executive Director for the venue, issued an update via its website on Monday, March 16.

In the statement, he said: “The Customs House is contractually obligated to a number of producers, hirers and production companies and therefore is unable to make a unilateral decision to close or cease trading until directed by national government.”

He added that he understands that visitors “will have their own concerns about how they should deal with the situation” and added: “Should we be instructed to close, we will, of course, offer refunds and or transfer your reservations to re-arranged future dates.

Mr Spencer also asked customers to be patient with the venue’s staff, who will offer advise on any future developments as necessary.

Customs House South Shields