Parents at a primary school have expressed ‘health fears’ over asbestos disposal work at Brimscombe Port.
Worried parents from nearby Brimscombe Primary School released video footage to Stroud Times which shows contractors disposing of asbestos from the roof of the former port industrial site.
An email also obtained by Stroud Times revealed Stroud District Council stated ‘an incident has occurred at Brimscombe Port redevelopment site, whereby the approved method of asbestos removal was not followed and as a result, the council, the contractors and independent asbestos experts are now involved in an investigation and will release the results to the public when they are available’.
The email went on to say ‘public health and safety is our top priority and this incident will be investigated thoroughly. In addition, the project’s Principal Designer and Health and Safety Compliance and Assurance Manager have both been consulted.’
Concerned mum of two, Laura Smith fears her children’s health could be at risk. She said: “I was assured that the asbestos removal at the port would be done with the utmost care to ensure no particles could escape during the demolition process. Another mother and friend who lives opposite have taken videos of the demolition process which shows that sheets have been crushed in the open by a digger. Although I am not an expert, I am deeply concerned and if this turns out to be a breach of safety to ourselves and particularly our children, I will be taking action.”
A statement on the SDC website assured the public that no health hazards have arisen: “We are aware that concerns have been raised regarding the asbestos removal during the demolition works at our Brimscombe Port site. There will be no health hazards to the public whilst this work is being undertaken.”
To read the full statement click here: www.stroud.gov.uk/news-archive/statement-brimscombe-port