UK: Proposed Barrow Development Could be Tainted with Asbestos

UK: Site for new homes may contain asbestos-tainted soil

Barrow, UK – A local resident is concerned that the site for hundreds of new homes is tainted with asbestos.

John Horne, a railway historian, said the site of the future Marina Village was once home to the town’s steam engine sheds and locomotive repair shops. For decades, the substance was used to lag the boilers of trains because of its heat-resistant abilities.

John Horne, of Rating Lane, Barrow, says he fears it could be dangerous to build houses on the town’s flagship regeneration scheme, without first spending vast amounts to remove asbestos material.

Mr. Horne, 72, recalled a Barrow Council plan in the early 1970s to build a stadium for the town’s two rugby teams, Barrow AFC and Barrow RL, after the sheds were demolished in 1968. However, the idea was scrapped after a soil analysis revealed that the site was contaminated by asbestos.

Mr. Horne wants officials to conduct a new test on the site to make sure the soil isn’t still contaminated, which he believes it is.

Councillor Bob Maltman said he was told by another councillor that a soil test had already been conducted which showed no serious problem.

A manager for West Lakes Renaissance reported that a more in-depth investigation will take place which would include drilling beneath past steelworks slags that are believed to be covering the contaminants. If found, he said workers would properly contain and remove the hazardous waste according to Environment Agency standards before construction begins on the new Marina Village .

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