A council is to launch a public inquiry into a huge fire at a disused power station that left hundreds of residents fearing asbestos contamination.

Hastings Borough Council has commissioned a cross-party scrutiny committee to look into the blaze at the former Broomgrove Power Station on May 15.

The fire, which is believed to have been caused by arsonists, was tackled by more than 30 firefighters. Dozens of nearby residents had to be evacuated.

Traces of asbestos were found in the area following the blaze, although it was later deemed harmless by experts called in by the council.

The council is continuing to seek expenses from the owners of the building, Jersey-based St Saviour's Cresent, and is considering making a compulsory purchase order so the building can be demolished.

Council bosses are eager that local residents are kept up to date with the effort and are keen for them to have their say in the handling of the situation.

The special inquiry panel is due to meet in the Ore Valley area during the next few weeks when councillors and building experts will consider the fire and its aftermath further.

Council leader Jeremy Birch said: "The local authority has agreed an investigation in public which will be carried out by our scrutiny committee under the guidance of the district auditor.

"We want to involve the public in the meetings as much as possible as they are the people who have had to deal with all this.

"Hopefully we will see what lessons can be learnt from this fire and how things could be changed in the future."

Workers are this week making sure the derelict power station is safe before any remaining asbestos is removed.

Hastings police are continuing their investigation into the fire and are still appealing for information.