Published: Friday, 15th January, 2010 11:36am

Asbestos anger from yard neighbours

DEMOLITION contractors at the former council yard in Peebles have played down fears over asbestos risks to neighbouring householders.

Several residents who live close to the Dovecot Road depot contacted the Peeblesshire News yesterday (Thursday) - claiming asbestos sheet roofing on the former local authority site had been illegally demolished.

One elderly gentleman, who we agreed not to name, said: "The roofing on the yard was made of asbestos and should be taken off sheet by sheet, but just as darkness fell last (Wednesday) night big machines ripped it to bits.

"Everyone knows asbestos is dangerous when it is broken into small fibres - something should be done to stop this continuing."

A complaint was also registered with the Health and Safety Executive.

And a retired policeman who lives close to the yard added: "Even low level asbestos has to be taken down in a controlled method. I don't believe that is being done and it could put people's health at risk."

Strict regulations control the removal of deadly asbestos. The council yard contractor, Coleman & Co, have almost 40 years experience in demolition work.

And manager John Howard told us yesterday that his firm were working strictly within guidelines.

He added: "I understand that a complaint has been made to the Health and Safety Executive and we are co-operating fully with them.

"We have a very healthy respect for safety concerns when dealing with asbestos, and the entire project has been risk-assessed and is being undertaken by fully trained professionals.

"Central Environmental Services, who are fully licensed by the Health and Safety Executive, are working with us to ensure the safe removal of the asbestos. I am satisfied with the safety of the site."

Scottish Borders Council's roads department moved out of the yard last Autumn to allow for 59 care apartments to be built.

Construction work is expected to start in May.