We’ve won our war to keep out killer asbestos

Reported :Jul 18 2007 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL families have won their battle for extra safety measures while asbestos-ridden houses are knocked down.

The city council has agreed to drape the properties in Sandy Lane, Tuebrook, with polythene sheeting while they are demolished.

Three months ago, residents complained after they were sent a letter recommending they keep their windows shut while the condemned houses were pulled down.

So many people objected about the potential impact on their health that the work was halted.

The council, which always insisted families were not at risk from the demolitions, has now bowed to pressure and agreed to additional safety precautions, costing an extra £10,000.

Tuebrook Liberal Party Councillor Steve Radford said: “People never objected to the redevelopment of the site, they were just very worried about safety, and this assurance will make a considerable difference to public concern.”

At a public meeting, families had claimed their children would not be able to play outside and questioned why they needed to shut their windows if there was no danger from dust.

The four properties were surrounded by scaffolding and a net to catch any debris, but residents were worried about being exposed to asbestos fibres.

They will now be completely enclosed in polythene sheeting so dust cannot escape.

A council report says: “While the original proposal meets all necessary health and safety requirements, in view of the concerns expressed, the alternative method of demolition is the most appropriate to reduce their obvious concerns.

“Hopefully, the revised proposal will allow the project to progress without further delay.”