Market asbestos risk revealed days before closure

18 minutes ago

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria

News image — Westmorland and Furness Council said it acted as soon as advice was issued by the contractor

BBC A close-up of the closure sign which is surrounded by yellow and black tape and stuck on the white opening times sign on the black gate. The white sign reads 'Barrow Market Hall' with 'more value' and 'more choice' written on either side. The writing is too small to make out what it says on the closure sign. — Westmorland and Furness Council said it acted as soon as advice was issued by the contractor

A council knew about the severity of asbestos risk days before it shut a town market, a new report shows.

On 17 February Westmorland and Furness Council told traders at Barrow Market they would have to shut with immediate effect, saying recent wet weather had exposed significant leaks which could dislodge asbestos.

Traders were left in shock at the move and the Liberal Democrat-led council has now released the risk assessment which recommended the closure. It was compiled on 13 February.

A council spokesman said a "watching brief" was implemented immediately and the risks "actively mitigated" through monitoring.

The local authority said its asbestos management contractor was told to confirm if any risk increased, but conditions and weather had remained stable at that point.

"The watching brief also provided time to formulate a short-term plan to decant the affected units and stock in a managed and orderly way," the council spokesman said.

"This approach provided reassurance to traders that the situation was being closely monitored by suitably trained professionals who could instigate emergency procedures, should this have been required."

The entrance to Barrow Market Hall which has a black fence in front of it. The roof is pointed and there is a large circular sign towards the top with a coat of arms and old lettering which reads 'Market Hall'. There is a sign stuck on the gate which has black and yellow tape surrounding it. There is a Herons shop to the right which multiple pictures of food on the side of the wall. — Barrow Market Hall closed with immediate effect on 17 February

The risk assessment by the asbestos contractor, dated 13 February, concluded the Market Hall should close "due to the building's condition seemingly worsening".

It said: "With the roof structure continually failing and the ability to cause further structural breaches, along with the widespread presence of high-risk asbestos-containing materials throughout the building, it would be prudent to cease trading in the market hall and units contained within."

It added the company was providing the information to assist the council in its decision-making.

The report said: "We do not believe all the risks the building poses regarding asbestos can be adequately managed in its current condition without significant improvements to the building."

The redevelopment of the building had been on the cards for some time, but traders had been promised a six-month notice period following any decision.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, cabinet member for communities, said it was a "desperately unfortunate situation".

She added: "Keeping our tenants, their customers and our staff safe was our overriding priority. Once in possession of this professional opinion, we moved decisively and quickly to act on the risk assessment recommendations, closing the market and moving tenants out of the building.

"While this was undoubtedly the right thing to do, we recognize this has understandably caused a great deal of shock and upset."

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