THE Prime Minister's decision to postpone the local elections until June has created an unlikely casualty --Thornton Cleveleys Operatic Society has been forced to cancel one of their performances of 42nd Street.

Fleetwood's Marine Hall -- booked by the operatic society two years in advance for the week of June 5-9 -- has been commandeered by Wyre Borough Council on June 7 for votes to be counted.

Society member Andrew Gould said: "The society are obviously very disappointed at having to cancel one night of the show after six months of rehearsals, but it was part of the contract that the council could withdraw availability."

Anyone who has already booked tickets for the Thursday night performance will be contacted and offered tickets for another night or a full refund.

Andrew added: "We could lose almost £2,500, but we won't know until nearer the time.

"We still have our fixed costs to pay, like costume hire. There are bound to be some people that could only make it on the Thursday, but hopefully we will be playing to full houses on four nights."

42nd Street, which is the society's 65th anniversary presentation, will still be on at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood on June 5, 6, 8 and 9, with a special courtesy bus on the opening night running from Talbot Road to Fleetwood, via Poulton and Cleveleys. For booking information call 860856.