ASBESTOS will be removed from two schools as part of a roof repair project.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has budgeted more than £300,000 to carry out the works at Lower Darwen Primary School and Audley Infant and Junior School, and is looking for contractors to do the job.

A total of £319,000 has been budgeted for the work at Audley, with the Lower Darwen job expected to cost £273,000, according to a spending plan approved by the council’s executive board earlier this month.

Debris of the dangerous material found in the roof at Audley is thought to originate from insulated pipes that had been stripped to poor standards.

Most of the pipes have been removed and only a few remain.

Following a survey, it was recommended that access into the roof spaces should be denied unless protective equipment was used and control measures were in place.

Since the initial survey, any gaps and openings into the roof voids have been sealed.

Testing was carried out in the rooms beneath the roof spaces and the air was found to be safe.

Work at the school will consist of the re-slating of pitched roofs, the renewal of the fascia boards and soffits, rainwater goods, re-pointing of parapet walls, replacement of defective leadwork, re-bedding of coping stones and upgrade of insulation.

Asphalt and mineral felt flat roof areas will be repaired, roof lights will be replaced and insulation will be upgraded.

The asbestos in the roof void will be removed and disposed of safely.

At Lower Darwen, asbestos cement packing pieces were found between the metal roof hanger brackets and timber beams.

The works there will comprise of stripping back of the existing roof covering, to be replaced with a lightweight steel roofing tile system, new underlay felt and battens, upgrade of insulation, new plastic fascia boards and gutters.

A section of pitched roof over a store will be removed and replaced with new flat timber roof comprising of timber joists, plywood decking and covered with warm deck insulated roofing system with mineral felt finish.

Flat roof coverings will be replaced with a new built-up felt system, including new insulation, increased gradient and eaves. Replacement of disturbed cladding.