A LONG-RUNNING row over disused garages is rumbling on today -- after they were finally demolished.

Inspectors from the Environment Agency were called in after the "eyesore" garages in Belgarth Road, Accrington, were pulled down.

They are investigating the storage of asbestos sheeting following the demolition which was ordered by Hyndburn Council.

The authority issued the owner with an enforcement notice to clean the disused row up or pull it down, because the area had become the target of arsonists.

The new owner, thought to be a builder from Burnley, has since pulled them down. But it is believed asbestos sheeting from the buildings is being stored in another garage nearby.

Brendon Lyons, head of planning at Hyndburn Council, said: "We are still trying to sort out some unresolved issues. There is still some demolition rubble on the site and there is also some concern about asbestos sheeting which, as far as we know, is being stored in one of the remaining garages.

"Our view as a council is it's a low risk but the Health and Safety Executive have referred it to the Environment Agency.

"Having the garages demolished is a big step forward and we have no reason to doubt the the owner will get on and finish the job."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said there was no danger to the public.

"The sheet asbestos has now been moved inside one of the garages and is no longer accessible to the public.

"We are working with the council to find the best way to proceed. It's not the most dangerous sort of asbestos."

Mark Clarkson acted as agent in the sale of the land.

He said: "The sale is going through, the land has been cleared in accordance with Hyndburn Council, and most of the asbestos has gone, with the rest bagged up and ready to go.

"A planning application to build houses on the land will be submitted to the council in the next 14 days."