Metal doors were taken off run-down lock-ups owned by Community Gateway Association in Laburnum Close, Holme Slack, leaving behind old building materials which were stored inside.

Worried residents contacted Gateway, which rents out the eight garages, after becoming concerned there appeared to be asbestos left inside.

If inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious lung damage which can lead to cancer. Using it was banned 10 years ago in the UK. One resident of nearby Rose Lane said: "There are kids that go around there and it's not safe.

"There were gas cylinders in there too."

Specialist workmen in white suits arrived at the site on Thursday
morning to clear away the debris, after the Evening Post and Deepdale councillor Terry Cartwright contacted Community Gateway.

Coun Cartwright said he was concerned that it had taken three days for Gateway to act.

He said: "I can't understand why they have taken the doors off and left the garages as they did. There are always kids around there. It should have been fenced off.

"They said they were going to demolish the garages two months ago."
A Community Gateway spokesman said: "We took action at the garages on Laburnum Close in response to concerns raised by a local councillor on Monday.

"Working in partnership with council officials, a plan of action was agreed, the demolition date was bought forward and the garages were due to be demolished and the site fully cleared and secured on October 22."


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