Demolition halted after 1,000 tonnes of asbestos found
Workers demolishing a fire station in Liverpool discovered around 1,000 tonnes of dangerous asbestos contained underground – and more in the building's light fittings, it has emerged.
The demolition of Kirkdale fire station was halted in July and the site sealed off after the banned industrial material was found in a concrete slab under the building. But Merseyside fire authority was told there was no risk to firefighters or staff.
Tests showed the concrete contained three types of asbestos and specialist contractors were hired to move the contaminated waste to landfill.
The demolition was part of Merseyside fire service’s £40 million private finance initiative (PFI) to build 20 new fire stations in the region. Work on the new Kirkdale building was due to be completed in May but that date could now be missed.
Andy Groom, lead officer for PFI in the North West, told Merseyside fire authority: “There was no risk to firefighters or staff because the asbestos was contained and it only became evident when the building was knocked down.
“We are still working out with the contractors the overall cost but 1,000 tonnes of asbestos had to be taken away and put into landfill with the associated tax.”
