Asbestos found in ground at Salisbury River Park project site
Officials say no risk to the public and material is being removed
Last updated 30th Nov 2022
The Salisbury River Park Project is having to be delayed again after asbestos was discovered on site.
Quantities of asbestos were found while planned excavation works were taking place at the Fisherton Recreation Ground, in the Ashley Road area.
Asbestos is a general term for a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres. In the past, it was widely used in construction before it was banned.
It can be dangerous if disturbed, as it can release a fine dust that contains asbestos fibres which, if inhaled, can cause respiratory and lung diseases, including lung cancer.
Officials have begun to remove the asbestos and say there is no risk to the public but have advised people to stay away from the area which is currently closed off.
A statement by the Environment Agency reads:
"Within parts of Ashley Road area ground we have had to pause some of the planned excavation works due to the discovery of quantities of asbestos, which will have been deposited previously when the ground was raised.
"Whilst it is very low risk, to ensure the safety of our site team specialist contractors will be on the site to safely remove and dispose of the asbestos.
"We would like to stress that there is no risk to the public during these works or in using the area once our works are complete."
It's the second set back for the multi-million pound scheme.
Earlier this month, raw sewage leaked into a closed off section of the River Avon, which also forced a pause in the works. It was caused by a burst blocked sewer.
Last week, Wessex Water confirmed workers completed the clean-up at the site, while they continue investigating what caused the blockage.
A Wessex Water spokesperson said:
“We’ve completed extensive cleaning of the area affected by the blocked sewer, which was caused by stone and debris entering our network.
“CCTV investigations are continuing to establish the cause and potential source of the blockage, and we’ll remain in close liaison with the Environment Agency.”
Remediation works by the Environment Agency are ongoing.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Waste and Flooding, said he was "disgusted and horrified" at the sewage contamination.
“Unfortunately, this setback will cause a delay to the Salisbury River Park project delivery", said Cllr McClelland at the time.
"However, we can still look forward to the completion of this transformative project, which will reduce flood risk to more than 350 Salisbury homes and businesses and bring ecological, amenity, walking and cycling benefits to the city.”