Asbestos found in Westbury park soil

Asbestos has been discovered in soil at Penleigh Park, with fenced-off mounds near the play area due to be removed by specialist contractors. 

A member of the public alerted Westbury Town Council to a small fragment of material found within excavated soil on 30th June. The soil mounds had been retained on site as part of planned improvement works following the construction of the new pedestrian path, which opened in May. 

The council confirmed that testing identified the material as white asbestos (chrysotile) and said it is dealing with the issue in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance. 

Local residents have raised concerns about children who had been playing on the soil mounds before the discovery was made and the mounds were fenced off. 

The council said, “Upon discovering this material, work was stopped immediately, the area was secured to prevent public access, and the appropriate procedures were followed. Samples were sent for laboratory analysis, and following confirmation of the nature of the material, a management plan has been put in place. The affected soil mounds will be safely removed and disposed of by appropriately qualified contractors in line with HSE regulations.  

“It is important to understand that asbestos presents a risk primarily when fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Intact and undisturbed chrysotile-containing materials present a very low risk.” 

Local people have raised concerns on social media about children who had been playing on the mounds before the discovery was made. 

One resident said, “I’ve got no words … can’t count how many times girls were playing with friends there.” 

Another said, “Can you tell us what risks this puts the kids at that have already been playing here? Literally the same day this asbestos was found my children and their friend was playing here.” 

Members of the public have been asked not to enter the fenced-off area while the investigation and removal works are carried out.