ASBESTOS left lying in a building site for more than two years close to homes in Colney Street has provoked anger from residents this week.

The news that asbestos had been found in the disused industrial estate at Old Parkbury Road has raised concern among residents and councillors.

Recently-retired Les Diamond, 60, who lives opposite the site on Radlett Road, said: "If it is dangerous, why on earth have we been left in this position?

"My concern is not what they are doing now but what they did when they pulled it down, and the two years that we sat with that stuff lying over there."

St Albans district councillor Dick Downs agreed that "it is a matter of great concern".

His worries were echoed by a spokesman from the Health and Safety Executive, who said: "It won't cause an immediate health risk, but it shouldn't be just lying there.

"Whoever demolished the buildings should have got rid of it at the time."

National government guidelines recommend that asbestos sheeting should be removed carefully if it becomes damaged, as asbestos dust can cause cancer.

Builders about to start work on new industrial warehousing last month noticed the asbestos, which had been missed by an environmental inspection commissioned after Slough Estates bought the site in November 1998.

Following the discovery specially-trained workmen wearing masks and protective clothing, were employed to clear the material.

They are advising St Albans firm Kane Haulage as it continues to remove rubble from the site.

Mr Christopher Mobs, development manager of Slough Estates, confirmed contractors had found evidence of cement-bound asbestos sheeting on the site.

He said: "Laboratory analysis confirmed the roofing material contained ten to 15 per cent white asbestos. We have got to sort this problem out, and we have got to do it properly.

"It is not in anyone's interests to cut corners."

However, he added: "These fibres are not loose, and are in small quantities."