A safety survey is being carried out this week ahead of a programme to remove asbestos found in two blocks of Council high rise flats in Wyken.

The two hundred and fifty-six flats located in Vincent Wyles House and William Malcolm House have some panels in service ducts in the kitchen cupboards, hot air heater cupboard and around the electric/gas meter which contain asbestos.

Phase One of the work will involve fifteen Council officers surveying all the properties over a two-day period, starting today, to confirm exactly where the asbestos is in each flat. They will advise tenants about the asbestos, give them a leaflet explaining where it is, when the City Council plans to remove it, what it will be replaces with and what to do to avoid disturbing any of the asbestos panels. Warning stickers will also be placed on all areas where asbestos is located in advance of any work being carried out to help remind tenants not to dril or decorate in these areas.

Whilst this survey is being carried out, work will begin on the empty properties in William Malcolm House to remove the asbestos panels, paintseal the flueduct and install a new heating system. It is planned that as work on the vacant flats is completed, a quantity of temporary homes will be available so that tenants can be moved into a flat in the same building when work begins on their home.

Councillor Peter Lacy, Chair of the City Council’s Housing Policy Team said:

"It is Council policy to ensure that any asbestos found in our flats is safe and that where necessary and practical it is removed. The flats in William Malcolm House and Vincent Wyles House contain asbestos panels around the heating and kitchen cupboards and in this case, we intend to remove them and paintseal the flueduct. We are also taking the opportunity to upgrade the heating system in the flats at the same time.

"I would like to assure all our tenants that the panels do not pose a serious health risk to them providing they are not disturbed. The officers carrying out the survey over the next two days will be able to discuss any concerns and queries with our tenants. It is envisaged that work will begin on the occupied flats around July once we’ve got the results of the individual surveys and appointed specialist teams to undertake this important work."

Tenants are being urged to contact their Wyken Local Hosuing Office on 01203 635860 if they wish to discuss any concerns they may have.

Councillor Lacy added:

"As a responsible landlord it was vital to find the money to undertake this important work even though housing resources are tight. I know there will be some disruption to people’s lives as we undertake this work and apologise in advance for this but hope that people recognise out good intentions in the long term."