Asbestos has been found in a flat in Stockbridge Village - sparking concerns hundreds of other tenants could be living with the hazardous material.

Particles were found in Mark Syme’s flat who lives on the 15th floor of the Denecliff tower block.

It follows a campaign by Mr Syme, which lasted months and months, to get his home tested for the substance.

The 48-year-old was convinced that there was asbestos in his home but says he had to push Villages Housing Association, who own the blocks, to get specialists to carry out an inspection.

Mr Syme finally got his wish and testing last Friday revealed asbestos was present in the flat and on Wednesday asbestos removal work was carried out by specially equipped workmen.

Director of investment and regeneration at ForViva, who own Villages, Nigel Sedman said: “As part of an ongoing programme to improve properties, Villages carried out work to remove asbestos from a void space behind a bathroom area within one of our properties at Denecliff.

“This work was completed by an accredited asbestos removal company and air tests were carried out following its completion to ensure the safety of residents.

“These test certificates showed that there was no asbestos present at that time.”

Mr Syme said he was relieved that his home had been made safe to live in but was concerned about other properties in the five Cliffs and Craigs high rise blocks on Pool Hey and Little Moss Hey.

He added: “I love the community here but I just want everyone to be safe.

“I want them to test all the other flats here and remove any asbestos as soon as possible.”

Mr Sedman said an inspection was carried out this week in a service riser in the block and a “small patch of dust contained small traces of asbestos fibres.

He added: “A recent inspection of the area found that a small patch of dust in a service riser – which is not open to customers and only accessed for maintenance work - contained small traces of asbestos fibres. Work to remove the affected dust within the property is now underway.

“The safety of our customers is an absolute priority and, as a precaution, we will be carrying further air testing in areas around the property to reassure people living in the block.”

The housing association have promised to carry out further samples across the building and based on the results will decide whether further action is required.

Residents are assured they will be fully informed about anything going on related to the asbestos testing and removal work.