Asbestos has been found at the old Plough Lane football ground, sparking concern among some people living nearby.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been on site to give advice to contractors, who are currently demolishing the derelict stands, which are viewed by the owner Safeway as being potentially dangerous.

The HSE said it was now monitoring the removal process.

A spokesman told the Guardian: The asbestos is considered low risk and is

contained within concrete found in the roof of the old stands.

It doesnt give off dust in the way that normal asbestos does, and the removal is being done out in the open, which dilutes it even further.

But resident Karl Mullowney said he was concerned asbestos had been found.

He said: I have read a report of two people who died after having worked on an asbestos roof.

Its the fibres you cant see them but Id rather not run the risk of getting cancer from any fibres that I would breathe in.

Just by breaking a small piece (of asbestos sheeting) you get millions of fibres.

Vice-chairman of the Haydons Bridge Residents Association, Paola Francia-Gardiner, added: There have been many instances of arson and vandalism (on the site in the past) and we are concerned these acts may have released asbestos into our environment.

The residents would like a formal reassurance that there will not be serious consequences to our health.

But a Safeway spokesman said there was no danger to the public and the company has already written to residents, keeping them informed of developments.

He said: Safeway has employed a licensed contractor to ensure the asbestos is contained and safely removed from the site.

The operation to remove these asbestos sheets poses no danger whatsoever to the residents in the area or the contractors that carry out the task.