THE revelation 186 schools in East Lancashire contain asbestos is a worryingly high statistic.

The figures released by Lancashire County Council show 42 schools in Burnley contain the hazardous building material that was banned from being used in the UK in 1999, compared to 38 each in Hyndburn and Pendle, 35 in Rossendale, 22 in the Ribble Valley and 11 in Blackburn.

Lancashire-wide at least 570 of the county’s 617 schools contain asbestos.

Teaching unions have raised concerns and argued that the material should be removed from all schools because it poses a serious health risk to children.

However the county council complies with national guidelines which state that asbestos can remain in schools as long as it is left intact and undisturbed.

The message from education bosses is clear parents do not need to worry unnecessarily as the county council employs qualified asbestos surveyors to inspect asbestos-containing materials at least once a year.

Parents can also take comfort in knowing county council bosses will deal with any asbestos related concerns immediately and schools can flag up general concerns or changes in between annual inspections.