Warning of asbestos risk
YOUNGSTERS who play on the site of derelict garages in Station Road could be putting their lives at risk.
Another spate of vandalism on the site has sparked a warning from council officers who say the wrecked garage site is littered with broken shards of asbestos.
Pollution control officer Nigel Taylor said: 'We advise everyone to stay away from the site because of the possible long-term health effects of exposure to asbestos fibres.
'It is particularly important for young people to stay away because of the length of time it can take for asbestos-related conditions to develop.'
These include asbestosis – a scarring of the lung making it five times more likely the sufferer will develop inoperable lung cancer (55 times more likely if he or she smokes) or lung cancer itself.
The condition can take 20-years plus to develop and can result from a single exposure.
The remains of the 44 derelict garages (pictured) are scheduled to be demolished for new homes.
They originally formed part of the New Barn Farm holding and were built between the 1950s and 70s when they were used for storage.
Redrow Homes has won outline planning consent to build four two-bedroomed flats and two detached three-bedroomed houses on the .14 hectare site between 124 and 130 Station Road. But it does not at present own the site.
Nigel Taylor said the council had been in contact with the unnamed landowner and the Environment Agency which inspected the site on Wednesday to find out whether enforcement action needs to be taken.
He added: 'Asbestos fibres can stay on clothes for a long period of time.
'Senseless acts of vandalism could lead to serious health consequences.
'Providing people do not enter the site there should be minimal risk.'
Hailsham Police crime prevention officer Dave Smith agreed.
He said: 'Apart from creating an eyesore youngsters who stray onto this site could find themselves facing horrific health problems later in life.
'For their own sake we advise them to stay well away.'
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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