Man’s asbestos home ‘nightmare’

An Angus man with a lung condition has told of the “nightmare” of living in an asbestos-ridden home.

Ian Fenton from Arbroath has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is characterised by a tightening of the airways.

The 64-year-old said he has been living in a home with asbestos for the last five years and has asked Angus Council for a move, as he fears his condition will worsen.

But the local authority said asbestos in the home “does not in itself constitute a reason for a move”.

He said: “I have asbestos in my home but the council believes the levels are not high enough for them to be unsafe – it is a nightmare.

“What is happening is that the building is timber-framed and the roof was fixed and now it is coming down into my bedroom.

“My condition isn’t a result of the asbestos but I think it will make it worse in the long run.”

A council spokeswoman said: “Where it does still occur it is of a low risk and is not harmful if left in situ and not disturbed and thus would not negatively impact on a health condition.

“If, however, any tenant has had a change of circumstances or wishes to apply for alternative accommodation, we would invite them to contact our ACCESSLine to arrange a discussion about their housing options with our housing team so that all their current circumstances can be assessed.”