ELDERLY residents in Blackpool are living in fear following the revelation that their sheltered accommodation could be contaminated with deadly asbestos.

Residents at Hobart Place in Anchorsholme, pictured here, contacted ward Liberal Democrat Councillor Jon Bamborough after a number of new water heating systems were installed, leaving the previous ones still in place along with suspected asbestos pipes.

Blackpool Borough Council contracted the work to Read and Errington, plumbing contractors in Blackpool, and in the last two years a total of ten gas-powered systems have been replaced with electric immersion heaters in flats at Hobart Place.

But one resident, Mrs Joan Boyd, said she was convinced the old system, complete with a matrix of pipework, contained asbestos after an engineer hinted this was the case.

But when the Citizen contacted Read and Errington they refused to comment.

Councillor John Bamborough, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Anchorsholme ward, contacted Blackpool Borough Council on behalf of residents. He said: "I was told the reason for leaving the old systems in was that it wasn't cost effective to remove them as the pipes spread right through the upper flats.

"I have been assured that any asbestos in use is perfectly safe as long as it is not disturbed," he said.

But a spokesman from an independent asbestos removal company said this was misleading.

"Although it is illegal to install asbestos now, it is true that it is safe -- but ONLY on the condition that it is labelled, sealed, and in very good condition.

"It should be regularly assessed to ensure it does not give off fibres and the tenants should know exactly what condition it is in."

Joan says she cannot believe that the pipes were left when the new system was installed and said: "I am asthmatic and the last thing I want is a potentially dangerous material like that -- I have never been officially told what state it is in."

Peter Jefferson, assistant director of landlord services at Blackpool Borough Council, said: "The old water heaters have been disconnected so, although they are still intact, there is no risk involved."

But no-one at the council would say categorically that there was no asbestos present in the building. Mr Jefferson said: "Given the age of the properties there probably is but when the contractors were there they would have fully inspected it.

"If any tenants have any concerns they should contact us and we will go and talk to them about it."