The National Science and Media Museum has been forced to close its main cinema over the "presence of RAAC".

RAAC - meaning reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete - is a type of construction material widely used in buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s.

In recent years there have been growing concerns that the material is now beyond its limit and could collapse.

Now, the museum has revealed the main cinema auditorium – Pictureville – is closed as a precautionary measure.

The historic cinema will remain closed for the time being as more detailed investigations are carried out. 

It comes after a recent Council meeting heard around 370 public buildings in Bradford were built in the period when RAAC was used.

Affected buildings include Airedale Hospital and a number of schools across the district.

In a statement from the National Science and Media Museum about Pictureville Cinema’s current closure, a spokesperson said: "The National Science and Media Museum’s main cinema auditorium – Pictureville – closed on the evening of Friday, October 20, as a precautionary measure, to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.

"The Science Museum Group has been conducting investigations into the presence of RAAC in the building and this closure was implemented on the afternoon of Friday, October 20, following a structural survey.

"The presence of RAAC was identified in September and a proportionate and proactive approach has led to more detailed assessments over the last few weeks, culminating in the decision to close the building, acting on the advice of structural engineers.

"The cinema will remain closed for the time being to facilitate more detailed investigations, and a further update will be issued in November. The museum is in contact with anyone who had pre-booked tickets for this period."

Pictureville is home to the only public Cinerama screen in the world.

Cinerama is presented on a deeply curved screen with a very wide field of vision - comparable to sitting inside a giant VR headset.

Hailed as being better than IMAX by some cinephiles, Cinerama films entail three rolls of film being passed through three cameras simultaneously to photograph a wide scene.

A notice on the museum's website reads: "Pictureville Cinema is currently closed due to unforeseen circumstances."