Calls For Safety Following The Removal Of Asbestos.

A Conservative Party Council Candidate is calling on Havering Council to ensure that any building work carried out on Council-owned houses, flats, garages or sheds is being undertaken with the closest attention to safety precautions, especially if the properties contain asbestos.

Mr Martin Firmstone, the Conservative Party Candidate for St. Alban’s Ward in Romford and Hornchurch, became concerned after hearing that roofs on Council-owned garages between Elmhurst Drive and Grosvenor Drive in Hornchurch in neighbouring Hylands and Harrow Lodge Ward, had been removed and the materials broken up in close proximity to residents’ homes. There were claims the work was going on without any safety cordons, the contractors were not wearing PPE, no prior warning was given plus old work materials were left inside and on the the roofs of some of the garages.

“When I heard about this, I was very worried and I thought immediately of Tolbut Court and Artesian Close in St. Alban’s Ward,” said Mr Firmstone. “Asbestos was widely used in buildings till recently, especially in roofing, without the dangers of asbestos fibres being realised. Even if they are not legally obliged to do so, morally the Council should make its responsibility to inform residents of asbestos-related works being carried out. I have asked Councillor Judith Holt to write to Havering Council for reassurance for our residents.”

Councillor Holt, the Conservative Councillor St. Alban’s Ward, added, “Asbestos safety is something to which I pay close attention, because my mother died of mesothelioma. We must never forget that asbestos is a killer.”

Conservative Candidate Martin Firmstone.

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