FANS and members of Bolton's theatre community have spoken of the their frustration over delays returning to one of the town's premier venues.

The Albert Halls officially reopened for events at the end of April but as yet its stage still stands empty with no apparent prospect of a show to be staged before the end of this year.

Representatives from the town's amateur dramatic groups say they are still waiting to hear details of the hiring costs despite being in discussions to return shows to the the hall since August last year.

Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS) chairman Paul Cohen has been negotiating costs with the council.

He said: "Everyone feels like they are being messed about and they are not doing anything at all.

"We were told the pricing structure was going before Bolton Council in June and that they are waiting for a performance partnership to be in place, but we've never been invited to it.

"Each time we hear nothing. We have tried being patient and to work with them but it has got us nowhere.

"When you ring them you feel like you are mithering them, but this sort of thing shouldn't be happening."

Three of the town's biggest performing arts groups — Farnworth Performing Arts Company, Bolton Premier Productions and Bolton Catholic and Musical Society (BCMS) — have been waiting to return since the closure of the facility in early 2015.

Mr Cohen also reports that other organisations have been looking to use the space but have not had access to rehearse yet.

The council confirmed that proposals for pricing for rental of the Albert Halls and the staffing structure would be discussed by the council later this summer.

A council spokesman added: "We have a list of professional and non-professional organisations who have applied to book the theatre in 2018.

"Once we have a pricing and staffing structure in place we can discuss bookings with them and will be able to announce a programme for next year."

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The council had previously reported of plans for the first show to be a pantomime this winter.

Mr Cohen said: "No one has heard anything about this pantomime, which is really poor again.

"They don't seem to realise you can't just ask people to come next week, shows need at least 12 months' notice."

The lack of shows being advertised for the venue has also annoyed former Albert halls-goer Ken Charisty.

The retiree from Horwich has spoken of his annoyance at seeing its stage left unused for more than two years.

He said: "It is just ridiculous. We have no other big entertainment venues in the town other than the Victoria Hall.

"Because there has been such a long delay I think they are going to struggle to get people back in.

"It always seems late with the council. If that had been in the hands of a private company it would not have been closed for so long.

"It is a real shame because the entertainment is missed. there used to be a buzz in Bolton and I think that has gone."