COSTS of demolishing a block of council flats in Bolton have soared after workers discovered more asbestos than had been identified in a survey of the site.

A specialist team has been called in by Bolton at Home, the independent group which manages the borough's council homes, after the potentially cancerous substance was found in kitchens, bathrooms and store rooms at Skagen Court.

Cllr David Wilkinson, executive member for environment and housing, passed an emergency resolution to make funds available for removal work at the Prince Street flats to be carried out.

The discovery has seen the cost of demolition leap from £310,000 to £575,000.

Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was used commonly by builders for insulation and as a fire retardant but is now linked with chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases.

It is not thought the material has affected the health of former tenants.

"This is low grade stuff so we do not believe anyone's health has been put at risk." said Cllr Wilkinson. "But when you are dealing with this kind of material there is no short cut, everything has to be done properly and that takes time and money."

Workers with contractor Cape Industrial Services discovered asbestos in rooms that had been filled with waste materials and in tiles which had been covered with non-asbestos replacements.

An earlier survey had already discovered it in soil and vent pipe ducts.

Demolition work began at the flats earlier this year after tenants occupying the last 115 flats moved out.

The upper floor of the block were inhabitable due to a leaking roof.

Demolition is expected to be completed in the next few week to make way for a 40-home housing development by Irwell Valley.

Home loss payments of around £400,00 are also expected to be paid out to former tenants.

The costs will be taken from Bolton at Home's funding for 2004/5.