A KINGSWINFORD choir has been forced to relocate its Christmas Charity concert at the last minute after council chiefs closed Dudley Town Hall amid concerns about the venue's structural safety.

The Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir was told late yesterday (Monday December 8) the Dudley town centre concert venue had been closed to the public because of health and safety fears after cracks appeared in the plaster on the ceiling.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Dudley's cabinet member for environment and culture, said given the age and design of the venue specialist contractors would need to be brought in to carry out repair work - meaning "regrettably the hall will be closed over Christmas".

She said: "We have five forthcoming events booked in over the next few weeks and are working with organisers to offer alternative venues such as Brierley Hill Civic Hall and Stourbridge Town Hall to try to avoid cancelling any shows."

As a result of the closure - the Gentlemen Songsters will now hold their popular festive outing, due to take place on Saturday December 13, at Brierley Hill Civic Hall instead.

The concert, in aid of the Mayor of Dudley’s charities - Action Heart and Guide Dogs, will go ahead at 7.30pm with the same guest artists - Sovereign Brass, the children's choir from Wall Heath's Church of The Ascension School and Annie Hodkinson as compere but due to the different auditorium layout and lack of time to re-issue tickets - seating at Brierley Hill will be unreserved.

The choir, however, has reassured concert-goers there is plenty of seating for all and tickets printed with the Dudley location will be valid for use at Brierley Hill.

Any ticket holders unable to attend the new venue will be offered a replacement ticket, at no extra charge, for the choir's spring concert on March 21 2015 or, if not convenient, a full refund will be offered.

Choir chairman Keith Moss said: "We are extremely grateful to all of our guest artists for their tremendous support in these changed arrangements, and look forward to providing all of our friends and customers an extra special Christmas concert."

Cllr Bills said once specialist contractors have been appointed they will be able to estimate how long the hall will remain closed for and she added: "We would like to apologise to everyone using our town hall for any inconvenience during this essential but unforeseen repair work.”

For more information about the Gentlemen Songsters event check out website www.gsmvc.org.uk