Measures to allay fears of asbestos

FOLLOWING fears about possible asbestos dangers during redevelopment of a Westward Ho! holiday park, Torridge District Council has revealed a series of safety measures being undertaken.

FOLLOWING fears about possible asbestos dangers during redevelopment of a Westward Ho! holiday park, Torridge District Council has revealed a series of safety measures being undertaken.

Concerns were raised about the demolition of the former John Fowler Holiday Park for redevelopment into 160 holiday apartments and work was stopped while investigations took place.

Torridge District Council has now revealed that air tests are being carried out downwind of the site according to an agreed programme, ensuring that sampling is undertaken at locations that are representative of the closest properties.

Damping down the site with water is also being introduced to cover any dry periods of two days or more and will be undertaken after air testing, said council press officer Ian Hayter.

Improvements had been undertaken to fix fencing that had blown down and the contractor would undertake routine checks to ensure that the fencing was secure and would look at putting up additional 'danger' signs.

"The owner advised that the clean-up work is due to begin soon. Method statements are being produced for approval by the Health and Safety Executive. The owner has said that the work would hopefully start in the next week, but approval may delay things," said Mr Hayter.

"A licensed contractor, Fine Line Asbestos Solutions, is now actively engaged to monitor and control the site in a manner that the council's Environmental Protection Manager does not believe poses any significant health risks to the public or local residents as a result of emissions of asbestos at this time."

Developer of the site is Higham Manor Properties Ltd and the owner is Alpha Projects UK Ltd.