Carlisle City Council is set to call its lawyers because of a missing lift at the Old Fire Station.

The Old Fire Station has proved a popular venue with 5,000 attending events since its opening

The £1 million city centre arts and entertainment venue at Rickergate opened in May and features spaces for performances as well as bars and office space.

But the lack of a lift has hit the number of rooms let out and the authority now looks set to take action.

This has been revealed in a report to members of the council’s community overview and scrutiny panel and is set to be discussed at a meeting later this month.

Apart from this issue – which is put down to problems during the revamp – it hails the new venue as a successful venture.

The report states: “The only outstanding item is the installation of the lift.

“The main contractor has now been instructed to find a replacement supplier at their cost and progress the lift as an absolute priority.

“This has had a detrimental effect on office lettings and room hire for non-artistic events and subject to legal advice the council may seek compensation to cover this lost income.”

Later it says that room bookings have not been “actively promoted” and adds: “This decision has been taken as the lift has not yet been installed and the building therefore not being full accessible on the first floor.”

Events have proved popular.

Five thousand people have attended performances and public events. Another 38 bookings have been taken up to the end of January.

It is on course to meet its budget.

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman said: “We are working with our main contractor to resolve the issue.

“An alternative UK-based supplier is being sought and we are pushing for the work on the lift installation to start as matter of urgency.”

The meeting takes place in the Civic Centre on Thursday at 10am.