DANGEROUS asbestos fibres have been discovered in homes on a council estate.

Bolton Council workers conducting routine work found the fibres behind a boiler in the chimney flue of a house on Green Avenue, Great Lever.

An investigation revealed asbestos present in 12 other homes and officers now believe up to 100 more houses are likely to be affected.

But council chiefs stress that only small amounts are present. Pieces found measure 18 by 24 inches -- and are not harmful unless disturbed.

But any work carried out around the chimney areas of the homes will now have to be done with safety precautions in place.

Any council homes undergoing future work will have the substance removed. But residents in privately-owned homes have been warned they are responsible for their own properties.

A council spokesman said: "We will be making people aware of the situation and advising them."

People buying a property are being advised to look out for the deadly substance in any surveys undertaken.