Asbestos removed prior to demolition of houses

ASBESTOS is being cleared from two properties next to the Red Lion pub ahead of their demolition in the 'next couple of months'.

The removal of the harmful fibres is expected to take a week and is part of a redevelopment project.

Randalls Brewery owns the properties – Montrose and St Catherine's. It was granted permission to demolish them in 2011 and build 17 flats on the site.

'Following a survey, work has started to remove some asbestos materials,' managing director Ian Rogers said. 'We then expect to demolish the houses in the next couple of months.'

The brewery was also granted permission to refurbish the Red Lion and create basement parking.