A popular town’s theatre has been temporarily shut and bosses are rescheduling shows, in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Basildon Council announced closed of the Towngate Theatre in St Martin’s Square.

The council says bookings will be changes and or refunded and planned council meetings have also been cancelled.

A council spokesperson said: “The Towngate Theatre is rescheduling its shows and performances following the latest Government advice about Coronavirus and the potential impact on theatre audiences.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause, and are saddened to have to delay the shows and programmes that we love seeing in Basildon.

“However, the health and safety of our patrons and the Towngate team are paramount and we’re striving to reschedule performances to a later date.

“All tickets will be automatically transferred to the corresponding day of the new performances, and all tickets and seats for the original performance will be valid for the new schedule.

“If ticket holders are unable to attend the new dates once they are finalised, the Towngate Theatre can exchange tickets for another performance or organise an exchange, online credit or full refund.

“Customers are asked to not call the Box Office as Towngate Theatre will be proactively contacting all ticket holders.

“Government advice around coronavirus shifted considerably yesterday afternoon and the Council is issuing new guidance to all staff today, including advising staff to work from home where appropriate.

“Tonight’s meeting of the Planning Committee, the meeting of External Affairs, Partnerships and Liaison committee tomorrow night (Wednesday 18 March) and next week’s meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee have also been cancelled.

“Other closures and cancellations are actively under review, while we take account of the consequences of closure or changes to services.”