FEARS have been raised about the safety of burnt out garages in Northwich.

Three derelict garages in Liverpool Street were set on fire in June and residents were evacuated from their houses because the burning garages contained asbestos.

But since then the land has not been secured or cleared up.

Speaking at a Northwich Town Council meeting on Monday Chris Shaw, town clerk, said he has been in touch with Meller Braggins estate agent to find out who is responsible.

He said Meller Braggins' clients own the land but not the garages and refuse to pay for any fencing or clean up.

"Cheshire West and Chester Council is looking to fence the area but Meller Braggins' clients have said they won't pay for anything like that so we're at a stalemate at the moment," he said.

Cllr Andrew Cooper said: "I visited the site with Cllr Brian Jamieson and Chris and it's a disgrace.

"The area is covered in sheets of asbestos from the fire.

"Even without the asbestos it's hazardous – the building looks like a strong gust of wind would blow it over."

Cllr Jamieson said Cheshire West and Chester Council's environment team should take action.

"Environmental health needs to take emergency action to clear the site or secure it," he said.

"The public needs protecting.

"The public needed to be evacuated from their properties because of this stuff falling around and once it dries out and the wind starts going it will be all over the place again."