A popular Carlisle entertainment venue has remained defiant, despite challenges meaning it has not yet been able to reopen after the building which housed it was set for demolition.

The Laser Quest, which was located at Paton House, Bush Brow in the city centre has announced that they are still working on their return but have admitted that more work is still needed in order to ensure that the venue will reopen.

This comes after it was announced this week that work is set to get underway on the site, which has been earmarked for a £77.5 million regeneration project.

As part of the planned transformation of the Citadels, demolition will soon start on Paton House Buildings which had housed Laser Quest from 1993.

The Citadels redevelopment project is being led by the University of Cumbria, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council and the demolition of the Paton House buildings is a key part of setting the groundworks for the ambitious city centre redevelopment project.

The city centre venue issued the following statement clarifying their current position.

They stated: "To the hundreds of people asking why Laser Quest isn’t open, this is why. We are sincerely sorry, we are not in a position to be able to rebuild yet, sadly lockdown hit us hard after the Central Plaza closure and materials have shot up in price.

"We will rebuild, but, it will take some time for us to raise the funds.

They added: "We greatly appreciate your loyalty and support. Looking forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can."