FURIOUS tenants have slammed a housing trust for not warning them asbestos has been found in their homes.

Families in Arran Gardens, Urmston, claim their lives have been put at risk by Trafford Housing Trust's decision.

The trust commissioned surveys on 40 homes ahead of modernisation work. Asbestos was found in all of them.

The asbestos is in a good condition so does not present an immediate health risk but tenants say only a handful of residents know it is in their homes.

Some found out when an electrician accidentally drilled into an asbestos board and the material had to be removed.

Asbestos specialists conducted tests but found there was no release of dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

Trafford Housing Trust confirmed it only told tenants when the asbestos needed to be removed, in line with government legislation.

One tenant, who did not want to be named, said: "I can't believe they've kept quiet about it. Asbestos kills thousands of people so, surely, they should warn us.

"Most of the neighbours don't seem to know anything. It's disgraceful."

Matthew Gardiner, the trust's chief executive, said: "The trust categorically denies it is putting workers, contractors or tenants at risk.

"It takes their welfare most seriously. We follow the government's legislation on asbestos. If it is found in the trust's homes but is in good condition and not broken in any way, the legislation says tenants do not need to be informed.

"It does not need to be removed because it is not a health risk and removal is potentially more risky."

Welfare

Mr Gardiner said as tenants can only make alterations themselves to a property rented from the trust with its approval, there is no need or requirement to inform them.

A detailed report from an asbestos survey is always given to contractors before they start work.

Tony Whitson, of the Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group, said: "How the trust can say it is not a danger to tenants is beyond me. It's nonsense.

"Do they really think some of their tenants might not put up a picture without their permission? Anyone with sense knows there's a risk.

"I'm angry because we see the terrible consequences of exposure to asbestos every day. All tenants should be told, but the trust must think that would open Pandora's Box."

The trust will have invested £150m in home improvements in Trafford by 2010.

The work has been carried out by Bramall Construction, Wate's Living Space, Bullock Construction and GM Procure.

Arran Gardens tenants with questions can call Graeme Scott, the trust's head of investment and regeneration, on 0161 968 0099.

Asbestos is often found in artex ceilings, floor tiles, fire protection in airing cupboards and gutters and roofs, especially in homes built between 1950 and 1990. All forms were banned by 1999.

It is the greatest single cause of work-related deaths in Britain, killing up to 4,000 people a year.