The sentencing of Waltham Forest council for failing to protect staff from asbestos has been delayed.

Representatives from the authority were due to attend Southwark Crown Court today to receive sentence but the court has announced it has to set another date.

The council has already pleaded guilty to four counts of failing staff and contractors by ignoring asbestos warnings.

All three kinds of asbestos, including deadly dust, were found in the town hall basement in 2012 after a Freedom of Information Act request was submitted by a member of the public.

A warning was given to the council in 2002 after asbestos was found - but it is not known when it was disturbed.