A Telford theatre has replaced its broken lift with a fork lift truck until repairs are completed later this year.
Staff at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place have revealed a lift used for shifting stage equipment and sets has been ‘deemed unsafe’ and a technician now has to operate the fork lift instead.
A spokesperson for the theatre said: “We are getting a fork lift truck as an intermediate while the lift is being fixed.”
The theatre and Telford & Wrekin Council staff are currently looking into repairing the lift, which is not for public use, but this could take more than a month to be completed.
Alternatively the council is thinking of building an elevator on the outside of the theatre.
It is not known how much it will cost to repair or replace the lift but a new build would require a tender process.
Councillor Miles Hosken, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “This is not a public lift but the lift used for stage equipment and it was deemed unsafe to use earlier this year.
“Telford & Wrekin Council is currently looking into either the repair or replacement of the lift but it is a major piece of work that will take at least five weeks.
“In the meantime, to ensure the smooth running of events, the theatre has installed an electronic winch to enable heavy equipment and stage sets to be brought in via the trap door on stage.
“The new stacker truck has been brought in to move the seating and grand piano on and off the stage and our technicians have received training in its use.
“These measures have been put in place to cover all health and safety issues and to keep the theatre fully operational until such lift repairs or replacement can be arranged.”