A WORKINGTON theatre's reopening will be delayed. 

The Theatre Royal, on Washington Street, was due to reopen later this year after a £500,000 revamp. 

But the discovery of asbestos under the auditorium floor has put back the opening until February.

Peter Inglis, chairman of Workington Playgoers, which owns the building, said: "When we lifted the floor, we found that it was rotten and there was asbestos.

"Wih the removal of the floor, the asbestos was exposed and it was hazardous.

"This has set us back three or four weeks but at least now we know the extent of the problem."

The refurbishment started in July thanks to a successful bid to the Big Lottery fund and other funding.

The foyer of the 150-year-old theatre has already been doubled in size and work on three buildings at the rear of the theatre is well under way.

The space will host rehearsal rooms, a new recording studio, office space and the wardrobe to provide a new youth venue and community rooms.

Charity Soundwave announced earlier this year that it would move into the building, with other local groups.

Pat Brinicombe, of the Playgoers, said: "I'm really excited. I'm trying to get my head round the new layout but now it's taking shape. We have needed this for a long time and we're so lucky we've got the grants."

She added that they were hoping to reopen the building in February, in time for the Cumbria and North Lancs Dance Festival.

Workington Playgoers will continue to put on shows and is using the former sixth form base at Moorclose.