Asbestos found by experts in 160-year-old building (From Warrington Guardian)

Asbestos found by experts in 160-year-old building

Asbestos has been removed from a 160-year-old building that was built for the governor of Knutsford prison.

Macclesfield Borough Council said contractors were called in to deal with the problem after a survey revealed traces of the substance at the council offices in Toft Road.

"We used a properly licensed contractor to do the job," said a spokesman. "But it did not pose any risk to the occupants." An independent company conducted a survey of the landmark building last year. Bosses of the Knutsford Guardian, which has been a tenant at the council offices for about 10 years, had commissioned it.

The results, which were also sent to the borough council, revealed that a fire door had a panel containing asbestos but that it was in good condition.

The council then commissioned its own survey later in the year, to comply with new regulations. It revealed that another fire door needed replacing because it had a gap at the top and bottom.

"If the asbestos poses an immediate risk then it needs immediate action," he said.

"But this was not the case."

Both doors have now been removed and a team of carpenters have spent weeks replacing them. The door containing asbestos was removed one weekend when the building was empty. But Guardian staff were not informed.

"I would admit it was an oversight on our part," he said. "But there was no risk to anyone's health."

The council is currently surveying all its buildings to comply with new rules.

Anyone with concerns about asbestos can call Tony Bryant at the borough on 01625 500500.

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk