Theatre to close for months while asbestos removed

Westmorland and Furness council said The Forum could be closed for up to six months

A theatre will be shut for up to six months while asbestos is removed from the building.

The Forum in Barrow, Cumbria, was forced to cancel its shows and close last month after the hazardous material was found in the backstage area following a leak.

Westmorland and Furness Council, which owns and manages the venue, said it was hoping to reschedule or move shows while work is carried out.

A spokesman said: "Everyone at The Forum feels desperately sorry for the performers, organisers and ticketholders that shows will be affected, but public safety has to be our absolute priority."

No traces of asbestos were found in air quality tests, the council added, and there was no evidence to suggest that anyone had been exposed to risk at any time.

Asbestos was used in the construction industry but has been banned for more than 20 years, as exposure to it could cause cancer.

The council said the rest of The Forum, including the cafe, studio and meeting rooms, were unaffected and would remain open.

It is asking anyone with tickets for a show in the next six months to check their website for updates.

"In the meantime, we won’t be selling any further tickets for events scheduled for The Forum theatre up to March next year," the spokesman added.