North Somerset Council is to be prosecuted and could be fined over an asbestos problem at a secondary school in Weston-super-Mare.

The Health and Safety Executive has written to the local authority saying it intends to issue a summons over the matter.

It follows an asbestos problem at the school in Queensway, Worle, back in August 2007.

The substance was discovered in the school gym and sports hall changing rooms as part of general maintenance checks.

Nick Yates, a council spokesman, said: "The Health and Safety Executive has sent us a letter saying it is it is going to prosecute us in relation to an asbestos matter at Priory Community School. A summons is to be issued they say, but we haven't received one yet.

"Because there is a possible court case pending we won't say anything else at the moment."

Contractors were brought in to examine the asbestos, which was found in ceiling installation boards and quickly analysed after being disturbed.

The tests revealed it was Chrysotile, which is eliminated from the body when inhaled, unlike other more dangerous forms of asbestos, which persist in the lungs.

Today Chrysotile is the only asbestos fibre commercialised and it varies in colour from grey-white to golden yellow to green.

Refurbishment work had to be stopped immediately when it was discovered and the affected areas were sealed off while air tests were carried out. The tests revealed the air outside the sealed area had not been contaminated and work to remove it was then carried out by specialists.

Asbestos when found is usually wet down to prevent dust particles escaping and then scrubbed away.

North Somerset Council and the school insisted all traces were professionally removed and the school was able to reopen for the new September term.

At the time of the incident principal Neville Coles said as the school dated back to 1977 it expected some asbestos present. This was because in those days buildings were developed with asbestos.

Mr Coles said last night: "In 2007 the school acted very promptly and, as always, in the best interests for the welfare of all students and staff. We did not need to close the school. As I understand the situation the school itself is not being prosecuted in this matter."

Nadia Nuaimi, the Health and Safety Executive, said: "HSE is aware of an issue involving Priory School and inquiries are ongoing."