An asbestos clear-up operation at Colchester Town Hall has cost the borough council more than £100,000.
Experts were called in after the substance, a known cause of lung disease, came to light during a routine maintenance check of the Grade I listed building.
The initial find, in an area above Moot Hall in July 2003, was followed by another in the basement seven months later. Surveys since then have revealed more.
Although much has been removed, some has been put through a so-called encapsulating procedure and left in situ.
Fiona Duhamel, the authority's estates services manager, said: "It was found in most places of the town hall. It was fairly extensive.
"We closely followed the recommendations of our asbestos consultants, and we have now carried out all their recommendations."
She said the substance had not been a health hazard in the past as it had remained undisturbed.
Published Wednesday August 18, 2004
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