The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched proceedings against high street retailer Marks and Spencer plc (M&S) and four contractors over alleged breaches of asbestos regulations. The breaches are said to have occurred during refurbishment work at three of the retailer's stores.

On Tuesday (12/01/2010) at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court, Marks and Spencer plc pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged breaches that occurred between September 2004 and November 2006.

Contractor Styles and Wood Ltd – based in Cheshire – pleaded guilty to contravening Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 between 24 April, 2006 and 13 November, 2006. The company will be sentenced at Crown Court at a later date.

Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd of Hertfordshire entered no plea to allegations of contravening Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 between 5 February, 2007 and 3 July, 2007.

Manchester-based company PA Realisations Ltd – formerly known as Pectel Ltd – is accused of contravening Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 between 24 April, 2006 and 12 November, 2006; as well as Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 between 5 May, 2006 and 12 November, 2006. PA Realisations Ltd was not represented in court on Tuesday.  

The HSE said that a committal hearing date had been set for February at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court.

No members of the public have been put at risk from contact with asbestos-containing materials at any of the Marks and Spencer's stores, according to a statement.

© 5r1 Limited 2010