Workers' fears over demolition dust

Workers in Walsall say they are choking on clouds of dust which they fear could pose a health hazard during the demolition of a foundry.

The Citroen Specialists Green Street is regularly left covered in thick dust as it is next to the former Caparo site which is being demolished, according to boss Simon Pearson. Some of his staff are even refusing to come into work and customers are being put off, Mr Pearson said.

Demolition crews have been pulling down the old factory buildings for weeks sending dust billowing over the neighbourhood.

Walsall Council confirmed there was some low-risk white asbestos in the building, but said a proper method of demolition had been agreed.

Mr Pearson said: "We do not know how dangerous the dust we are breathing in really is. My staff and I have had symptoms like burning in our throats, sore eyes, sickness and itchiness since they started.

"Some of my staff have refused to come in for the last two weeks because they are scared of what they are breathing in. Customers won't leave their cars here, if it goes on like this I could go bankrupt."

Peter Chambers, of Scorpio Fabrications, Old Wharf, Old Birchills, said: "These sort of things are supposed to be taken down carefully but every time we look up there is a massive crane tearing the place down and sending dust up which blows over us."

Other businesses in the area including Walsall Boat Builders and Dixons Paint have also raised concerns.

Ian Rathbone, principal pollution control officer at Walsall Council, said officials were working closely with the Health & Safety Executive to minimise the impact of the demolition.

He said: "The building shell consisted of a large number of cement sheeting known to contain low-risk white asbestos and a written method statement for the demolition was agreed with the HSE."

He said talks had taken place about the complaints and the situation monitored.