Asbestos - so what about our homes?

Asbestos van outside 15, Everglade, Bardsley.

ASBESTOS removal from an empty house in Bardsley has prompted concerns from neighbours about their own properties.

Residents in Everglade raised concerns after spotting an asbestos removal van outside a house managed by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she was worried about her privately-owned property because many homes on the street were built at the same time.

She said: “It would have been nice to know about it when I bought my house from the council.

“They stopped putting asbestos in garages years ago so people have known for some time its not safe.

“It would be an issue if I wanted to sell my house.”

Another resident said: “It is a concern especially if you want to do anything to your house. We should be told about it.”

A spokeswoman from First Choice Homes Oldham said the company was currently removing damaged asbestos from the empty property.

She said: “We routinely check for damaged asbestos when carrying out refurbishment surveys on empty properties in line with Health and Safety regulations.

“We have explained to tenants that asbestos was commonly used in buildings in the 1950s and 60s and is safe and presents no danger unless it has been damaged or disturbed.”

The spokeswoman said FCHO was carrying out surveys in homes where it believed asbestos might be present and was arranging for its safe removal if it had been damaged.

She added: “With all properties bought under the Right to Buy scheme, residents were advised by Oldham Council to obtain an independent structural survey when they bought their property.

“If any resident has concerns they should ring the FCHO Asbestos Contact Number on 0161-770 8863”