THE CASE against Fareham College for allegedly exposing their staff to asbestos has been adjourned for a second time.

Education bosses are facing four charges of breaching health and safety guidelines for exposing staff to the dangerous substance without taking proper precautions.

If found guilty the college could be landed with a £20,000 fine for the safety breaches.

College principal Malcolm Charley, who recently announced his resignation, was at Fareham Magistrates' Court for the brief hearing.

He said: "As proceedings are ongoing we shall not comment until the case is over."

Representing the Bishopsfield Road college, barrister Gerard Forlin said the defence were waiting on reports from three experts in the field to be completed and advised the case be adjourned until they were.

The charges against Fareham College Corporation stretch back to 1993 when the college broke away from control by Hampshire County Council.

Health and Safety Executive officials carried out an investigation at the college after complaints were made through public services union Unison.

Spokeswoman for the union Caroline Villers said: "It is disappointing that the case has been put back again, particularly for the members of staff who want to see proper screenings and medical checks put in place."

She added that more than 20 names of staff who are believed to have been exposed to the life-threatening substance had now been put on an asbestos register held at the college.

The case will be heard on February 18 next year.