A GREENOCK pensioner says he fears for his health after being ‘left in the dark’ about potentially deadly asbestos in his home.

John Gurney was stunned when he was told by River Clyde Homes contractors that the floor and ceiling in his top-floor property in Cartsdyke Court apartments contains the toxic material.

The 73-year-old says that the housing association repeatedly refused to tell him if his property in Baxter Street is safe.

The Telegraph has now been told by the housing association that there is a possibility that asbestos is present in his flat but they insist it is considered ‘low risk’.

But tenant John says bosses at RCH should be ashamed of the way they have kept him in the dark ‘for months’.

He said: “Two contractors just appeared out of the blue at my home saying they were there to check for asbestos.

“They told me that my ceiling and the tiles on my floor and the stuff that they stick them down with contained asbestos.

“They told me not to drill near the tiles or lift them.

“I asked them if my flat would pass an MOT but they said they couldn’t tell me if it was safe until a report was done.

“I’ve been down to their office continuously over the past few months but nobody would tell me anything — it’s like the secret service.

“I’m very worried —  asbestos is a major health hazard and they have told nobody anything about it.”

After the asbestos check in his flat, John also asked questions about the indoor communal drying area in the building.

John said: “I complained about the drying room as it’s a health hazard itself — it looks like the workers have just abandoned it, as it’s not property finished.

“I was told that they took a panel away which was full of asbestos.

“But they never told me anything about that which is worrying as we hang up our washing there and use the bin chute too.”

Heather McIlroy, asset manager at River Clyde Homes, said:

“We can confirm that asbestos cement boards in the communal drying area were removed during upgrading works carried out in 2016, before Mr Gurney moved into the property.  

“All residents were informed of the removal at the time and health and safety procedures for removing asbestos were adhered to at all times.”

She added: “Whilst there is a possibility that low grade asbestos is present in the adhesive and textured coatings in Mr Gurney’s flat this is considered low risk. 

“In line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, as long as these materials are in good condition and are not likely to be damaged, they may be left in place, their condition monitored.

“We are more than happy to discuss the situation further with Mr Gurney.”