AN investigation into claims that asbestos may have been present in a First Choice Homes Oldham flat has revealed there is none there.

An independent survey was ordered after a resident in the Rock Street complex voiced concerns that the toxic material may be present in the ventilation shafts and redundant heating ducts.

However, an independent survey commissioned by FCHO following the unnamed resident’s claims has concluded there is no evidence of asbestos in the property.

Interim executive director of assets and investments at FCHO Peter Hall said: “We take matters of this nature extremely seriously and go to great lengths to check for asbestos in all of our properties.

“First Choice Homes had commissioned two full asbestos surveys on the property in question in 2010 and 2014. We proactively carry out asbestos management surveys to all our properties and any issues of concern are always addressed.”

He said that following The Oldham Times report on the concerns on May 30, another asbestos survey was conducted which also concluded there was no asbestos in the ventilation shafts or redundant heating ducts.

He continued “Work to cover the redundant heating ducts had been scheduled to be carried out last year, but FCHO was refused access to the property.

“We offered to undertake work on this property and work to remove the redundant heating system vents and board over the space was completed on June 21.”

The social housing provider also said that other problems in the same flat relating to the quality of water had been tested and had come back with no issues.

Testing by the surveyor team also showed there were no damp issues in the homes, but some problems with condensation, and as a result fungal wall washes were being carried out.

There were also wear and tear issues with the windows and kitchen units which FCHO repaired on June 19.