[Libby]

Whilst clearing my plot, I have found, under the overgrown grass a full length asbestos fence - only about 2 feet high but 70 feet long.  :shock:  Also, there are three large sections of asbestos on the shed (which needs to be knocked down).  I contacted the council hoping they could help but was told they didn't deal.  :? After some helpful advice from a friend, I persisted and got through to a very helpful lady who has sent someone to assess the plot.  They said they hadn't seen such a large amount of asbestos in some time and it needed to be removed pronto! There was a high risk that the fence could be knocked by people walking past or by general tasks being carried out and it was blue asbestos we were dealing with which was bad news.  Glad of he removal of course, as I want to put up new fencing and a shed however, they advised that they would put in their report to the council and hopefully the council would pay the fee for the removal.  As the fence is missing from the back of my allotment currently - the section between someone's house and my plot - I am next on the list for the fence to be replaced as people can walk into the allotment from the street via this route.  However, I feel that after having the allotment for only 5 weeks, I am spending an awful lot of their budget on fencing and asbestos removal.  Do you think I should offer some money to assist?  I would be grateful for your views.

[Tom Netall]

Hi Libby,

Thats dangerous stuff you've got there and needs removing (by specialists) as soon as possible. If thats council land, they have a duty of care to you and the general public and shouldn't be fobbing you off  :evil: Try your local Environmental Health Officer if they drag their feet at all !

And it should be done entirely at their cost, as it will be expensive.

[Steve.P]

I would be inclined to say no. If its council land you have paid your allotment rent and are not responsible for the asbestos. Wait to hear the outcome from the council. This is nasty stuff and should be removed by a specialist company.

[Aunt Sally]

However, I feel that after having the allotment for only 5 weeks, I am spending an awful lot of their budget on fencing and asbestos removal.  Do you think I should offer some money to assist?  I would be grateful for your views.

NO ! It is their responsibility to ensure that the plots they let out are safe and secure.  If you knew how much money councils waste you'd not be worried at all  :shock:

[Libby]

Thanks ever so much for your replies - that has put my mind at rest at least.  I had looked at it from every angle really as I have a friend very qualified to advise re abestos and he was horrified - which spurred me on for the removal and have taken all safety precautions - but did worry that I looked somewhat demanding in such a short time!  I will sit back and let them deal with it and thanks again for your support.  

[Salmo]

Firstly I agree that the removal of asbestos is entirely the Councils responsibility.

My other comment is that if it is roofing and fencing it is probably white cement asbestos and not really dangerous unless you saw it and produce dust.

The dangerous blue asbestos is powdery and was used to lag pipes. It sounds as though the person who examined it is probably up to the usual scam of saying it is blue asbestos so that he can charge a fortune to remove it safely.

[joshwain]

The council should pay for it, they own the plot...

[Libby]

I am still waiting to hear what will happen re the asbestos removal.  Bit of a pain as I want to knock the shed down but that is only me being impatient!    The asbestos does seem to have been there for some years without anyone worrying unduly however, I am perhaps a bit more inclined to worry as I work for an asbestos specialist at a law firm where we deal with the most horrendous cases.  The advice my boss has given me is to ensure that at no point is the asbestos agitated as it releases dust into the air - this isn't the problem as such, it is the invisible particles that are released that are the so very dangerous.  I can easily work without being close to the asbestos however, it lines the path through the allotments where people are walking past each day with wheelbarrows etc - it is a very narrow path and this is something the inspector picked up on - that it is a danger to the majority of the allotment holders.  I will hopefully hear something soon.  Thanks very much for your replies - they are appreciated.  

[joshwain]

Sounds like the site is a deathtrap.
I really stress protecting my lungs do I, i even hold my breath when i pass smokers...

[Trillium]

And don't let the site drag their heels about it either, which they'll likely do to simply try to get out of it.

[Libby]

Well, the Inspector came to visit on 5 January and was extremely helpful.  He said he would put his report in - the report being that it was urgent that the asbestos was removed - and it would be on the Council's desk within 5 days.  That took us until Friday 9 so I have left it for this week to see if I receive a response.  I think I will chase next Tuesday/Wednesday as that should give them enough time - she says - hopefully!!  

[joshwain]

I just hope you dont have to pay for it all...

[Libby]

The lady at the council said there wouldn't be a charge but I think we got our wires crossed and she meant I wouldn't be charged.  I advised my contact at the allotment that an Inspector would be visiting and she asked whether they would be charged.  She said she thought they would be, as they had in the past, but if it needed to be removed then they would pay as it was necessary.  Of course, I suppose that depends on what the charge is.  The option I do have is to move the entire width of the allotment in about 1 ft and put my own fence up but that would still leave anyone using the path at risk - then there are a few panels resting on the shed.

[Libby]

Good news!  I had a call from the lady at the Council today.  She is chasing for the quote today and neither myself nor the allotment will be charged for its removal.  She is going to give me a call shortly to advise.  Very helpful she was too.  Feel very relieved now!  

[BIG ZOOK]

good result, but as others have suggested  i would tink it was the more common white/cement asbestos as the brown/blue types were  for more specialist applications.