Council officers have visited 20 houses in the Abbey Rise area in Leicester after a contractor disturbed some asbestos in their homes.

The asbestos is the low-level white Chrysotile type and was disturbed by contractors when they were undertaking some rewiring work in the homes.

As soon as the council discovered the problem it launched an investigation into the incident, which is still ongoing. Council staff are also personally contacting tenants affected.

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If necessary, houses will be cleaned and household items replaced.

While the council looks into the situation, all work by the contractor has been stopped.

Dave Pate, Service Director for Housing at Leicester City Council, said: "We are very sorry this has happened to our tenants. As soon as we were alerted to the problem we set up a full investigation and made personal contact with the tenants affected. Understandably tenants' are worried about the situation, so we are doing everything in our power to help support them on an individual basis."

(CD/JM)