THE re-opening of the Swindon Arts Centre has been put back by two months just days after the launch of its new box office.

The Arts Centre, on Devizes Road, was due to re-open on November 11 and the council has just released details of its winter programme.

But Swindon Services, which is carrying out the refurbishment work, is now unlikely to finish until next year.

The delay means forthcoming acts like poet Pam Ayres, comedian Lee Mack and band The Animals will have to be cancelled. Pantomime Aladdin, due to run from November 26-30, may also have to be scrapped.

Work started on the £665,000 revamp at the end of May and the project was due to be finished by the end of October.

The delay is understood to have been caused by a series of complications which have arisen at the last minute.

Art Centre staff said the problems are linked to the age and unexpectedly poor condition of the building.

The renovation includes a new glass entrance hall on the side of the building, more toilets and improved access for people with disabilities.

The new box office opened on Tuesday and has already begun to sell tickets for the packed winter programme.

As well as increased construction costs the delay could lose the Arts Centre thousands in ticket receipts.