THE renovation work being carried out at Worcester's Swan Theatre is nothing to be alarmed about, according to the city council.

The work involves resealing asbestos within the building's outer cladding. But the council's community information officer, Bob Blandford, said the improvements did not pose any threat to the public.

The minor improvement work was simply intended to modernise the structure and should not affect its re-opening on Tuesday, April 29, added Mr Blandford.

He said the work should take a maximum of three weeks and consisted of "desirable" rather than "essential" improvements.

The material was comparatively harmless "white asbestos" and its presence had been known for several years.

The work is being carried out to ensure complete compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

"Despite still being a fairly common material in buildings dating from around the time of the Swan's construction, it is not of crucial concern and there is no reason to create unnecessary alarm," he said.

"However, we will be treating it with PVA paint over the next few weeks as part of the initial works, effectively sealing it to make it completely safe."