DURHAM County Council is being taken to court for alleg-edly failing to ensure builders were not at risk when working with asbestos at a school.

The Health and Safety Executive has accused the council of breaching the Health and Safety Act in September 1999, when contractors were building a science block at Wolsingham School and Community College, Weardale.

Solicitors for both organisations appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates yesterday, to submit legal arguments. Durham County Council is expected to enter a plea at the next hearing on October 1