A FORMER contractor who worked on the Blackbrook estate has condemned the borough council for allowing people to continue living in homes containing asbestos.

As reported in the Guardian in February, residents are demanding action to ensure that their houses are safe from the killer dust.

The contractor, who now works for another company and does not wish to be named, says that rigorous procedures are put in place to look after those working in the houses, but that residents are not offered the same protection.

The Guardian has obtained documents detailing the steps contractors should take. In one report they are told not to enter the property until they know the nature of the problem, under no circumstances are they to work on internal walls or ceilings, and they must not remove light fittings from ceilings without wearing full protective clothing and using a specialist vacuum cleaner.

If a tenant says there is damage to a wall or ceiling, they are told only to leave the room, while the employee is informed that 'most importantly' they must minimise the risk to themselves and wear protective clothing which will later be specially disposed of.

Harvey Thornton, Warrington Borough Council's assistant director of housing, says current advice states that removing all traces of the asbestos could prove a greater risk for the occupants.

He added: "All contractors and council officers who have worked on the Blackbrook homes have undergone a health and safety training programme as part of rigorous safety checks.

"Working on these homes does require a higher degree of protection for obvious reasons. Such activities would not put occupants at risk.

"Everything we have done with regards to safety, training and advice on this issue has the safety of our occupiers in mind and it will continue to do so."

The council has now pledged to repeat an information campaign for residents to give them the latest advice from health chiefs and central Government. A letter and self-help leaflet will be hand-delivered to all homes affected by asbestos.

If occupiers in Blackbrook need advice, they should contact James Bacon on 819994.