You can remove it yourself, providing you have taken precautions to protect yourself and neighbours (others) as per Section 2 of H&S at Work Act etc 1974. You must, however, follow local guidance as to the disposal of the asbestos material. Mine states that it must be kept whole (not smashed up) where possible in sheets and it should be wrapped in visqueen and bagged in red 'hazardous material' bag. My council will provide up to 3 sets of bagging materials and allow up to 3 deposits of up to 3 sheets to the local tip per year (showing proof of residence each time).
If you have more, you need to contact a local waste disposal company, such as SITA.
Guru Nanak.
January 2010