Asbestos specialist called in to work at Stratford's Riverside Project

The campaigners were concerned that items, including broken glass, from the town’s former tip, where part of the Riverside Project work was taking place, was being spread across the land.

They insisted that remedial work was needed to ensure the safety of the area before it is reopened to the public following the installation of the new features, including bridges and paths.

The trust and the district council responded with an investigation and a five-point plan to ensure the safety of the area. However, they stressed that while the discovery of the asbestos material was concerning, their experts reported that “the site poses no significant risk” as, in the main, the asbestos fibres are bound up in building material, reducing the risk of airborne dispersion.

In a statement the trust and council said the discovery of asbestos triggered an agreed response, which was drawn up as part of the planning approval for the £1.5m project.

They said: “A specialist geotechnical and environmental consultant attended site and a set of recommendations have been agreed with the environmental health officer.

“We are working with our main contractor and other specialist organisations to deliver the recommendations without delay.”

The five-point plan includes:

1. A specialist licensed asbestos removal contractor will carry out a clearance exercise of the affected area, using appropriate control measures and PPE.

2. Any items suspected of containing asbestos will be removed and disposed of in accordance with health and safety requirements.

3. On completion of one and two, a hand pick of the area will be
carried out to remove glass and other debris.

4. Affected areas will then be covered with a 75mm layer of clean material.

5. The council will commission a final review by an independent specialist to ensure oversight of appropriate permanent mitigation.

The statement adds: “The design for the project was developed in such a way that no foundations, deep excavation, or piling was carried out on the site of the old tip.

“Part of the works to the northern section of the Riverside Project include work to create a 520m- long accessible pathway. This is predominantly on the site of what was the haul road for the area to minimise the impact on the former landfill.”

The trust and council gave the public a reassurance that safety was their main concern and said the new bridges and pathway remain open between Fisherman’s car park the town. The accessible pathway will open when work has been completed satisfactorily.

A spokesperson for FLM said any progress on remedial work at the site was good news, but added concerns still remain.

This included asbestos fibres being found in soil samples sent by FLM to a specialist lab and whether 75mm of clean soil being placed on the site would be enough to prevent debris – particularly broken glass – coming to the surface.

“This is especially important in the artificially created mounds designated as play areas and picnic areas,” the group said. “Hand-picking is ineffective for both glass and asbestos removal. It cannot remove asbestos fibres, or identify asbestos fibres in groundwater.”

FLM also wanted reassurances that outside bodies, rather than council officers and current contractors, are brought in for the work and inspections.

“This is vital if the public, whose money they are spending, are to have confidence that the job is being done properly,” they said.

And they added: “We all want a local nature reserve that everyone can enjoy safely, whether they are residents, visitors, tourists or workers.

“Any progress is good news but we need assurance that the work is being done in accordance with asbestos regulations and accepted safe practice.”

The cost of the work will not be known until the specialist contractors have been on site.