FEARS that water-logged ceiling tiles could have released asbestos fibres at a Derby school have been allayed by council officials.

Water leaked into the roof space at Redwood Infant School in mid-September.

The damaged ceiling area was in a walk-in store adjacent to the kitchen at the Sinfin school.

Once the damaged tiles were discovered, supplies were removed from the room and it was sealed off. The tiles were removed and the storeroom will be permanently sealed.

Derby City Council is anxious to tell parents and staff that "there was no detectable release of asbestos fibres".

But some kitchen staff are concerned. One, who did not wish to be named, said: "The store cupboard may have been sorted but the rest of the kitchen ceiling is covered in the same tiles. What if we have another water leak that affects them or brings them down? I didn't realise that there is any asbestos in the school."

More than 90% of schools in the city have asbestos within their walls and ceilings and the details are contained within a register. Each school has a copy.

Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses such as cancer but the material is safe as long as it is not broken or disturbed.

There have been several incidents involving the release of asbestos fibres into schools in the past five years.

These include Silverhill Primary School, Mickleover, where the pupils had to go to alternative schools for eight weeks after workmen disturbed asbestos panels during window replacement. A report ruled that the risk to pupils' health from the exposure was "negligible" but slightly higher for the workmen and cleaning staff.

An incident at Lees Brook Community Sports College, Chaddesden, where asbestos fibres were leaking from a damaged wall in a cupboard, also necessitated a clean-up and a report.

This also stated minimal risk to health.

There have also been incidents at both Nightingale Junior School and St James' C of E Junior School when asbestos fibres found their way from the roof space into classrooms.

The problem was discovered quickly and no long-term health risks were anticipated.

A city council spokesman said: "The Redwood incident was triggered by a pipe leak above a kitchen storage area which has a tiled ceiling.

"In order to repair the ceiling, the tiles had to be removed, and this work was carried out by an expert asbestos removal contractor.

"This incident has not caused any risk to the health of children, staff or parents at the school."