The Alban Arena is on schedule to reopen in the late spring following work to remove asbestos.

The entertainment venue was closed at short notice in December after the discovery that some of the material had become exposed in a ceiling.

Some particles of asbestos dust had fallen onto the stage equipment below, though air tests showed there was no immediate risk to performers, staff or the audience.

St Albans City and District Council, which owns the building, decided to cancel the annual pantomime and the early 2022 programme as a precaution.

This followed discussions with leisure contractor 1Life which manages the venue as well as specialist building contractors.

Work to decontaminate the area and remove asbestos from above the stage was quickly authorised.

It is being carried out at an estimated cost of £237,000 and is scheduled to be completed later this month (February).

The Arena will then be back in action shortly after final safety checks are completed and bookings confirmed.

An update on the issue was given to a meeting of the Council’s Public Realm Committee at its meeting on Tuesday, February 1.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, the Committee’s Chair, said afterwards: “This is a most unfortunate event, but we have moved swiftly to minimise the disruption it has caused by wasting no time in initiating repair work.

“It was a terrible shame that the pantomime had to be cancelled along with some other acts, but I’m sure our residents will understand that we had no other option with health and safety being our paramount concern.

“If all the necessary works go to schedule, we hope that a reopening is now only a month or two away.

“Asbestos was used in the construction of the Arena more than 50 years ago like other buildings of a similar age and we follow statutory regulations, including regular inspections, to ensure it is kept safe.”