There was sadness and anger that an annual Gloucestershire police Christmas show which “brought joy to hundreds of vulnerable people” was cancelled this year.

The Kingfisher Treasure Seeker’s event which was set up in 2014 between Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and was set up back in 2014.

It was part of a drive for inclusivity and to break down barriers between the police and those with learning difficulties and special needs.

The event was held at the sports hall at the police headquarters with the cost was covered by a small grant from the OPCC and Police.

And former police and crime commissioner Martin Surl said there would normally be about 100 young people and adults with special needs in the cast boosted by about 200 family members and carers in the audience.

On learning PCC Nelson and interim Chief Constable Maggie Blyth had told the Kingfisher Treasure Seekers their annual Christmas show could no longer be held at Gloucestershire Police Headquarters the former independent PCC said “I’m shocked, angry and saddened by this news”.

A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesperson said they “needed the hall for mandatory training” this year and could not provide an alternative venue.

“In previous years, Treasure Seekers has used the Constabulary’s sports hall to host its annual Christmas show,” they said.

“Unfortunately, this year we have been unable to provide them with this facility. This is as a result of mandatory training that is taking place for officers, who need to use equipment in the hall over this period.

“An alternative venue on the police estate could not be found and a decision was taken that, due to the impact on operational training, it was regrettably not viable to offer the hall to Treasure Seekers.”