A HAPPY tenant thanked housing bosses with a big smile and a thumbs up after they got rid of asbestos in his flat.

Worried Wayne Penn of Crickley Drive, Warndon said he first raised the issue of asbestos panels in his roof years ago - but now they have been removed he feels he can, quite literally, breathe more easily. 

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After he raised the issue with Platform Housing again, supported by Cllr Jill Desayrah who made her own enquiries, the asbestos panels were taken away on Tuesday (January 17).

In double quick time, a workman put up plywood panels instead.

The asbestos panels had been in the roof in an open balcony area overlooking Crickley Drive but now they are gone, proof for Mr Penn that you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Worcester News: CONCERN: Asbestos panels which have now been removed from the roof of a flat in Crickley Drive CONCERN: Asbestos panels which have now been removed from the roof of a flat in Crickley Drive (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Mr Penn, 52, said: "They have taken that away this morning. That's really positive. I feel great about it. I was worried it was going to affect my health.

"I moved in over ten years ago and became aware of the problem then.

"I first reported it when the flat was managed by Fortis.

"There was a hole in the roof and I could see it was asbestos.

"It is potentially dangerous and I was worried about asbestos fibres getting into my lungs."

Cllr Desayrah, Warndon's Labour ward councillor, also raised the issue with Platform in October and she has praised the organisation for its response.

Cllr Desayrah said: "I'm very pleased that Platform Housing has acted to fix this issue.

"The health risks exposed by some types of exposed asbestos are very well known and I'm relieved that this efficient and tidy removal and repair has been delivered with a smile.

"Wayne gave him a warm welcome in the typical Warndon fashion."

Mr Penn thanked workman Lloyd Hill, who has worked for Platform Housing for 17 years, for putting up the new 9mm plywood boards.

Duncan Palmer, Head of Responsive Repairs at Platform Housing Group said:

"Managing the asbestos within our stock is very important; once suspected asbestos was identified, we appointed a contractor to carry out an asbestos sample, and subsequently carried out the work to remove and replace with an alternative product."