VITAL safety work to remove asbestos from a dilapidated former swimming baths will begin next week.

Elvet Baths, off Old Elvet, Durham, has been unused since being replaced by the £12.3m Freeman’s Quay leisure centre in July 2008.

It was due to be demolished under Banks Developments and Esh Group’s plans to build homes, offices and a restaurant at Elvet Waterside, but the scheme fell victim to the recession.

Despite hopes it could be turned into a community arts centre, it has fallen into disrepair, with vandals having smashed windows and daubed graffiti on walls.

Now disturbed asbestos has been discovered in parts of the building.

Safety experts from Durham County Council will begin removing the material on Thursday, February 10. A works compound will be set up in a nearby Durham University car park. The work is expected to last around 12 weeks.

A council spokeswoman said there was no danger to the public in the vicinity and any harmful materials would be removed in line with strict health and safety guidelines.

Town centre development manager Chris Myers said: "We know there is a lot of interest in the Elvet Waterside area and we just simply want to let everyone know exactly what it is we will be doing on site.

"We remain committed to attracting the right sort of development for the area and are doing this work firstly in the interests of public safety but also in the hope it will make the site more attractive in a difficult financial climate."

Elvet Baths was officially opened in September 1932.