Asbestos found in shops to be flattened
Asbestos has been found in a row of empty shops due for demolition.
The units, in Bell Street, Wolverhampton, had been poised for demolition in the coming weeks as part of a £1 billion investment.
The demolition of the row of empty premises, close to the Mander Centre car park entrance, is still due to go ahead according to council bosses, as the authority looks to move its Southside makeover forward.
An investigation of the site revealed the potentially harmful materials, with the council saying: “Provided it is left undisturbed, it poses no danger to anyone, and it will not delay the demolition process.”
Asbestos was used widely in construction because it is strong, durable and fire-resistant.
According to NHS Choices, it is dangerous if ‘a material containing it becomes damaged and the fibres are released into the air’.
This is because it can cause permanent scarring to people’s lungs if exposed to the group of minerals over time.
A Wolverhampton council spokesman said: “Site investigations have shown there is the presence of asbestos consistent with older properties of this type.
“Provided it is left undisturbed, it poses no danger to anyone, and it will not delay the demolition process.
"We will employ licensed contractors to remove and safely dispose of it as part of the preparatory works before full demolition begins.”
The news comes just weeks after the authority revealed a vision for the busy junction between Bell Street, Victoria Street and Skinner Street.
An artist’s impression showed the junction as being pedestrianised with its own water feature, trees and seating. Although the council has not confirmed whether its move to buy up the Bell Street premises is linked to that plan.
The council bought land and property at one to five Bell Street last April to ‘strengthen its landownership’ whilst it demolished the former Netto site on the corner of Cleveland Street and Snow Hill.
Since Netto was demolished, the land has since become a car park and will eventually house the new market. In April last year, reference to the demolition of the shops was made as part of the almost £10 million regeneration plan.
Under the Southside plans Wolverhampton market – currently on the Westside site – will be shifted to Cleveland Street. The move of the market is part of a £45m Westside development scheme.
