THE dangers of asbestos will be under discussion at a breakfast meeting organised by Groundwork Rossendale for local businesses.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 non-domestic premises in the country currently have some form of asbestos in them and around 3,000 people die annually from the diseases caused by past exposure to asbestos.

From May 2004 those responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings will have to assess if there is asbestos present and whether they will have to remove or manage it to avoid putting workers at risk.

Groundwork Business Environment in Rossendale is holding the meeting at the Astoria, in Rawtenstall, on Wednesday, February 25. It starts at 7.45am and there will be a question session at 9.30am.

To book a place at the meeting contact Christine Morriss by fax on 01254 682288 or email on cmorriss

@groundwork.org.uk