Lack of a single agency results in gaps in public protection.
Communities across Scotland are still being exposed to toxic dangers from the demolition of old factories due to a loophole that was first highlighted more than a decade ago.
There is currently no one agency in overall control of such demolitions in Scotland – with even Holyrood ministers previously admitting to “gaps” in public protection.
Council planning officers, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) all have limited responsibilities but often fail to work together effectively.
The loophole was first highlighted in 2002 during the demolition of the former Motherwell Bridge steelworks in Uphall, West Lothian.
Campaigner David Campbell-McIntosh, who lives 500 yards from the site, woke one morning to find the cars on his drive coated in a film of dust – which he says tested positive for cancer-causing asbestos.
The Scots engineering giant was later hit with a maximum £20,000 fine for “blatantly disregarding” health and safety rules and putting demolition workers in danger.
In 2006 local MSP Fiona Hyslop, then in opposition, attempted to change the law, warning: “Nobody takes responsibility for the health of the public when the process of demolition is being carried out.”
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