Site secured after asbestos found in tiles dumped next to Fife rail line
Rubbish dumped by a new sub-station near the rail line in Thornton, where Network Rail is planning major electrification works, includes asbestos, it has been confirmed.
The discovery has led to the area being secured before it is removed.
The issue was raised at the recent drop-in session hosted by Network Rail as it update its plans to close the main road through the town - an issue which sparked a huge community backlash.
A 14-month long total closure was whittled down to five months with support for businesses coming from Fife Council after it rescinded the original traffic order giving Network Rail the go-ahead.
At the meeting, local resident, Alan Newton, took Network Rail to task over the rubbish dumped near his home, describing the situation as a disgrace.
The case was taken by up Richard Baker, MP for Glenrothes, who was also at the meeting.
The Labour politician said soil analysis had confirmed the dumped roof tiles contained asbestos. Network Rail said it believed they were illegally fly-tipped by a third party.
But Mr Baker said: “The presence of asbestos on this site is concerning and I'm grateful to Mr Newton for flagging this, for making me aware of the issue and allowing me to relay his concerns urgently to Network Rail.
“I've been assured by Network Rail it will take all necessary action to remove asbestos from the site. Emotions are already running high in the community over the bridge closure and this makes it all the more important Network Rail takes swift action.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “As part of the project to electrify the railway in Fife, construction work is currently taking place at a site near Thornton. During this work, material suspected of containing asbestos was discovered. The area was immediately secured and specialist contractors were appointed to carry out testing.
"The testing confirmed that a number of roof tiles, believed to have been illegally fly-tipped by a third party, contained traces of asbestos.” The spokesperson added: “We're now making arrangements to safely remove and dispose of the material in line with all relevant regulations.”