ENVIRONMENTAL health officers from Pendle Council have issued an appeal to businesses to check their procedures for dealing with asbestos.

A duty to manage asbestos came into force on May 21 as part of a strategy to eradicate asbestos-related disease.

Free advice on the necessary procedures is available from the council.

Environmental health manager Stuart Arnott said: "Asbestos-related illness still accounts for about 3,500 deaths per year in the UK -- this is on a par with deaths on the road." Free advice and information is available by calling 01282 661661.