Swale council's headquarters is to remain closed until December because of asbestos.

Swale House in East Street, Sittingbourne, will stay closed to the public, council staff and councillors until Monday, December 19, as workers remove asbestos and finish installing double glazing.

The building was closed earlier this month after asbestos was found by contractors around some of the old window frames of the 1970s' building.

The asbestos had not been present in windows tested in advance of the works and could only be accessed when the windows were removed. Asbestos specialists were called in and checked all remaining windows.

The work is part of a £1.9 million revamp.

A council spokesman said: "Most of our staff are working from home and alternative venues are being found for decision-making council meetings until we can safely reopen the building.

"We know this is not ideal and are sorry for the inconvenience to residents, staff and councillors but this approach will ultimately save time and expense as we improve Swale House."

The Planning Committee meeting on October 13 was held at The Appleyard in Avenue of Remembrance, as was October 19's Policy and Resources Committee meeting.

Last week's Licensing Committee simply said 'MOVED' on the council's online calendar.