COUNCILLORS who gave the go-ahead for an inquiry into why an asbestos report into a North-East leisure centre was ignored for five years, putting workers health at risk, have been told lessons must be learned.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, members of Wear Valley District Council agreed to begin an investigation to establish what happened to the 2001 survey.

Officers failed to remove the dangerous materials, or even warn staff members who worked at the Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex in Bishop Auckland.

After an £18,000 fine from the Governments Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a belated public apology from council bosses, and scathing criticism from the regions MPs and MEPs, a full public inquiry will now take place.

Full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo