FAMILIES living in Greatstone have been told that asbestos found on the site of Romney Sands holiday village is "low risk" and that they should not be alarmed. Jo Hunt, a spokesman for the Environment Agency, said: "We are still investigating but initial inquiries suggest this is low grade asbestos. It is what is called bonded white asbestos which is less dangerous."

She said: "We are supervising its removal to make sure this is done in an appropriate, safe and legal way." Shepway District Council had also taken a sample of the substance for analysis.

The asbestos was discovered after old chalets were demolished to make way for 90 new caravans. Ray Lewis, a spokesman for Shepway council, said contractors had breached three planning conditions at the site and the local authority was taking action.