THE AIR around the Little Hulton fire is free of asbestos fibres, consultants have confirmed.

Residents living close to Worsley Trading Estate, were warned to keep away from the area after a huge blaze broke out at a kitchen fitting warehouse thought to contain asbestos.

Now, Salford City Council has issued a new update to local people explaining that specialist consultants, Bureau Veritas, tested the air on Thursday and Friday and found no asbestos.

More air quality tests will also be carried out after demolition of the building, which is expected to begin this week.

The council's statement says the current health risk is "low" and there is "unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos".

However, as a precautionary measure it is sensible that any asbestos containing debris is carefully removed.

Lower Wharton primary school is currently being cleaned as a precaution by a specialist cleaning contractors in haz-mat suits, appointed by the owner of the warehouse and the work is likely to continue for the rest of the week.