A social club in Stockton has been fined over £2,000 for unlicensed removal of asbestos from its premises.

Elm Tree Social Club pleaded guilty to four offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 when they appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

The court heard how committee members removed a number of asbestos insulation boards from the ceiling of the club's store room rather than using a licensed asbestos removal company.


Environmental Health officers from Stockton Council visited the premises on 29th November 2013 to investigate an anonymous complaint that the work had been carried out incorrectly.

An officer found asbestos material still attached to the ceiling and instructed Elm Tree Social Club to arrange a full clean of the area by a licensed company and to get air clearance tests done to ensure no material or fibres remained.

In mitigation representatives of Elm Tree Social Club said the club believed appropriate guidance was being followed when carrying out the work.

The club was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay £800 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

(CD/MH)