A STOCKTON social club has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 for carrying out unlicensed removal of asbestos from its premises.

Elm Tree Social Club pleaded guilty to four offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 20.

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 November 29, 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.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Asbestos is a dangerous material which, in certain situations, can cause long-term health problems if it is not removed and disposed of correctly by licensed professionals.

“Unlicensed individuals can put themselves and others at risk if they attempt to remove asbestos themselves. Of course we are also happy to provide advice about safe asbestos removal.”

For advice about safe asbestos removal, contact Stockton Council’s Environmental Health team on 01642 526575.