GBM allays asbestos fears but dust concerns remain.
Concerns about asbestos at a demolition site in Hounslow have been allayed by a public watchdog.
Householders living beside Hounslow House, in London Road, were concerned the highly toxic material was present in dust covering their balconies and windowsills.
But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told getwestlondon: “Asbestos present was removed under license prior to demolition commencing and was completed last year.”
The HSE had halted destruction at the site in July after the partial collapse of an office block sent rubble crashing into Hounslow bus garage next door.
But the watchdog allowed work to resume at the site a fortnight ago after more stringent safety measures were put in place by GBM UK, which is carrying out the work. The HSE is still investigating the cause of the collapse.
Despite the new safety measures, residents say there is still too little being done to prevent their properties being blanketed with dust from the site.
Bernard Zieja, who lives in Aces Court, overlooking the work, said there was so much dust people were reluctant to open their windows or use their balconies.
“I think that the dust protection measures undertaken by GBM UK are inadequate and we are not protected enough from the dust,” said the photographer.
“I think we should be separated from the demolition site by a tall scaffolding covered by protective curtains. I have seen this done in central London and I wonder why this is not being bone here in Hounslow.”
A spokeswoman for the HSE said complaints about dust were a matter for Hounslow Council, which has already warned GBM UK about carrying out noisy work outside permitted hours.
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