Herefordshire | Archive | 2007 | August | 23
From the Hereford Times, first published Thursday 23rd Aug 2007.
ASBESTOS has been found in a public park at the centre of one of Hereford's newest housing estates.
Environmental health teams are to carry out a full search of Saxon Court - the site of the old Stirling Lines SAS base - for further traces of the contaminant.
The Hereford Times revealed yesterday that part of the estate had been sealed off after a resident out walking saw what he thought was asbestos on the park and alerted Herefordshire Council the previous night.
This morning the council confirmed that samples of cement sheeting taken from the site had tested positive for white asbestos.
Residents have now been warned to stay away from the park until the full extent of the contamination is known.
The Environment Agency, Health Protection Agency, and Health & Safety Executive have all been informed of the find.
Area councillors, including the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Chris Chappell, said a full search was needed so residents could be confident the land their homes are built on is safe.
"The contract for this development specifically said that any and all asbestos or other potentially hazardous mateials should be cleared from the site," said Coun Chappell.
Site developer George Wimpey will work with the council and an independent specialist to clear the site over the next few days.
At this stage, authorities are unsure as to where the asbestos came from, one theory is that recent rain forced it to the surface.
It seems unlikely the sheets were simply dumped in the park.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008