Buildings damaged by a major fire in Arnold will be demolished next month it has been revealed.
Nottinghamshire County Council are continuing with their clean-up operation at the disused Rolleston Drive site which was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack last Wednesday (August 16).
A Health and Safety Executive assessment has confirmed that the site has been made safe, back ground monitoring has proved negative and there is no immediate danger to person or property.
Demolition work on all buildings at the site will now start next month. In the meantime, additional security measures introduced since the fire – including 24-hour security and patrols and higher fencing – will remain.
The buildings damaged during the fire did contain some asbestos material. However, Public Health England research into risks to health caused by asbestos states that, “…if appropriate clean-up operations are followed, there is no significant health risk resulting from asbestos exposures from large scale fires.”
Nottingahmshire County Council has appointed specialist contractors to carry out clean-up operations in line with national guidance.
The results of air quality tests in the area showed that the level of fibres present was very low – well within recommended guidelines and posing no threat to health.
To provide further reassurance to residents in the immediate vicinity of the site, checks are also being carried out at neighbouring properties. A very small amount of asbestos material has been found, which was immediately removed and disposed of safely.
Several other householders have contacted the Council about small pieces of debris they have seen in their gardens following the fire. Contractors will visit those homes affected and make arrangements for any debris to be removed safely.
Further to an initial letter drop in the immediate area following the fire, the Council is writing to residents again to provide an update and information on how they can raise any concerns.
Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, visited the site in the immediate aftermath of the fire last week to apologise in person to local residents for the disruption caused by the fire and pledged that the Council would keep local people informed about the clean-up operation and plans to bring forward the demolition.
Councillor Cutts said: “I want to reassure local people that the County Council is taking this issue very seriously. No stone is being left unturned in our work to make the site and neighbouring properties safe and secure.
“It remains our intention to start demolition work on site as soon as we are able to get the appropriate clearance.”
