A COUNCILLOR is calling for a former bleach works to be pulled down after asbestos was discovered in the disused building.

Environmental health bosses were forced to fence off the former bleach works in Whitebirk Road in Blackburn on Friday after brown asbestos was discovered inside the rundown premises, close to Intack Primary School.

Senior council officers were today due to meet the owners of the site - whose identity has not been disclosed - to discuss what action should be taken.

Schools and GPs were alerted about the find after it was discovered the old bleach works was a popular hang-out with local children.

Estate agents found the brown asbestos - the most common kind - after a survey of the site.

Large quantities of the brown substance have to be inhaled over a long period before anyone is at serious risk of ill health.

Although no asbestos fibres were found to be present in the air, Coun Frank Gorton, a Labour councillor in the area, said the site should be cleared immediately.

The Little Harwood with Whitebirk ward councillor said: "Anything which could possibly be viewed as being a danger to human life in any way, shape or form should be taken very seriously.

"I would like to see the site cleared and sorted out once and for all so there is no danger. It really does give cause to concern but it is important to remember that the medical officer for the area already knows about it.

"I hope the council will do everything in its powers to sort it out and as ward councillor, I will help the residents in any way I can."

Parents of children at Intack Primary School have received letters warning them of the dangers within the site.

Dr Jim Paris, director for public health at Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust, said he had informed all the local GPs about the potential danger.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has the power to rid the site of any potential dangers and then bill the owners of the site for any costs they incur.

A meeting is expected to take place between the council and the owners to discuss the site's future.

Denise Johnson, head of environmental health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We are hoping local communities will co-operate and keep off the site.

"We cannot keep an eye on it 24 hours a day but the police have been told that no-one should be on there."