HOSPITAL bosses are being forced to spend almost £300,000 after a survey revealed parts of Burnley General Hospital were riddled with dangerous asbestos.

The material was discovered in ducts and service areas away from patients and most staff.

When disturbed, asbestos releases cancer-causing tiny fibres - although it can be safe if left alone.

Health trust chiefs have now vowed to take immediate action to get rid of the material.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust board was told about the survey at a meeting on Wednesday when they agreed to spend £270,000 on removal of the asbestos.

John Dell, director of operations for the trust said: "I consider this to be a priority. There is now a programme to undertake the work there."

The trust conducted a survey of all its properties as a requirement of the Asbestos Management Regulations which came into force last year.

In most cases where asbestos is found, it is left untouched. At Burnley it must be removed because of work on the phase five redevelopment.

The development is a £30million public-private project for a three-storey extension and internal improvements.

The new building will provide 170 beds, a large medical outpatient department, a rehabilitation unit and a new kidney dialysis unit. It is due to open in June next year

Mr Dell said work would start at Burnley General in May and was due to be completed in September 2005.

The work is being funded by the trust through its annual capital programme and will not impact on clinical care.