Assurances have been given that asbestos used in about 4,000 Oxford City Council homes will be inspected if residents are worried about it.

The pledge was made even though one resident, Josephine Cox, 42, has waited more than six months for officials to remove asbestos from her airing cupboard door.

In September, Miss Cox, of Colmans Hill, Headington, was told by council officers inspecting rising damp in her kitchen that the asbestos should be removed.

A council report has revealed that up to 50 per cent of Oxford City Council's 8,000 homes could contain the substance. Miss Cox, 42, who has lived in her home for 10 years, said: "Health and safety officers came and wore masks and gloves to look at it.

"I was really worried about it, but was told it wasn't that dangerous unless it was broken. I was told that they would get someone to take it out within three weeks in September, but no-one has been."

Asbestos is harmless if left undisturbed, but it is a health risk if damaged, drilled, sawn or sanded.

A council spokesman said: "We have informed our tenants through a newsletter that if they have concerns about asbestos to contact us to arrange an inspection."

She said officers had visited Miss Cox's flat on February 21 to carry out the work, but she was not at home.

The spokesman added: "We apologise for the delay in dealing with this matter and understand Miss Cox's concerns.

"We would like to reassure her that the asbestos is in an undamaged and safe condition."

She said that the council inspected all empty properties for asbestos and if any is found it was removed.

In 2003 Cherwell Family Housing Association had to move tenants out of 18 flats and 10 houses in Webb's Close, Wolvercote, while asbestos was removed.

The same year the substance was found in the window frames of two city council flats in Preacher's Lane, Oxford.

Council officers said there was no danger.