Westmorland and Furness Council Blocks Barrow Market Asbestos Report Release as 17 February Closure Faces Legal Action
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Westmorland and Furness Council Blocks Barrow Market Asbestos Report Release as 17 February Closure Faces Legal Action
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Westmorland and Furness Council refused to release a December asbestos survey and management plan for Barrow Market, saying the documents could become key evidence in expected or active legal cases over the closure.
A 13 February risk assessment already published found clear evidence of a continually failing roof leak, warning wet weather could dislodge asbestos and expose the public.
The council ordered traders to shut the market on 17 February, telling them worsening leaks had heightened the asbestos risk inside the hall.
Barrow Market now faces demolition, with work expected to begin in the current financial year under the Liberal Democrat-led authority.
What does the council's secret asbestos report reveal about its delay in closing the hazardous market?
Why was a firm fined for bid-rigging awarded the multi-million-pound contract for the market's demolition?