WORK removing asbestos at The Regent cinema in Redcar is being commissioned and is expected to start on site in the coming weeks.

Previously, it was revealed that worse than feared structural problems to the building meant the cinema would have to be closed for the foreseeable future.

A contractor is being commissioned with the remit to remove all the asbestos as carefully as possible to prevent further damage to the building. The cinema is boarded up but with hoardings being painted to be sympathetic to the surrounding seafront area at the seaside resort.

A routine condition survey in April led to concerns about the structure of the building and it was immediately closed on public safety grounds. Since then a detailed building structural inspection by independent surveyors has been completed which has revealed worse than expected damage including defects to the roof, floors and walls.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, tourism and communications, said: "As stated, the first priority was always to make sure the building is safe and secure. Now that is in place, we can engage professionals to remove the asbestos in a secure way. Care has been taken to ensure the boards at The Regent don’t take away from the look and feel of our fantastic seafront.”

Neil Bates, manager at The Regent, said: “It’s a frustrating situation but I remain committed to cinema in our borough. We’re hoping that temporary alternative venues to show films might be found while the required ongoing work is carried out at The Regent.”