WORK to get a popular Birmingham baths open for the New Year is said to be on schedule.

Moseley Road Baths, in Balsall Heath, has been closed since last December for repair work after a corroded surround, called a lintel, in one of the fire exits was found to be in danger of collapse. Workers then discovered asbestos in the basement this summer.

Contractors will move on to the site on October 17 and spend six weeks clearing the asbestos away after which work will begin on installing scaffolding.

Martin Mullaney, cabinet member for sport and culture, said the baths were still on target to open in mid-January, 2012.