A court date has been set for the prosecution of Waltham Forest council for breaching health and safety laws relating to asbestos.

The authority has admitted it knew about the presence of the deadly substance at the town hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

However, staff were not prevented from entering affected areas of the building between 1984 and 2012, with the council claiming it was believed the asbestos was within acceptable levels.

A survey carried out in January 2012 ahead of major works revealed asbestos in the basement, boiler room, generator room, cable room, print room and lobby.

Documents were also found covered with asbestos dust.

The prosecution is being brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

An initial hearing was scheduled for September 16, but this has now been adjourned.

The council will appear in court on January 19 at Westminster Magistrates Court.