Work to safely remove asbestos-containing materials from 62-70 Victoria Street in Paignton will begin on Monday 21 September as part of the ongoing management of the site following the emergency deconstruction works earlier this year.

Ahead of the removal programme, the remaining structure will be fully encapsulated to create a secure, sealed and airtight working environment. Specialist licensed contractors will then remove Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) from parts of the ground floor under strict safety controls and monitoring procedures.

AIB is a hazardous form of asbestos and requires specialist handling. However, comprehensive safety measures have been put in place to ensure the work can be carried out safely, with the risk to neighbouring businesses, residents and people passing the site remaining extremely low.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, "The safety of the public, local businesses and workers is our absolute priority. This work is being undertaken by specialist licensed contractors operating within a fully controlled environment and under stringent safety regulations.

“We want to reassure residents, businesses and visitors that extensive precautions are in place throughout the programme. The risk to people passing the site is extremely low, and the works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption while ensuring this important phase of work is completed safely."

The asbestos removal programme is expected to take approximately four weeks. Work will take place within the secure site compound seven days a week, with weekend activity expected to have minimal impact on the surrounding area.

Noise levels are also expected to be low. The primary sources of noise will be the site welfare unit generator, which will operate intermittently, and the site's 10kVA power supply. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to nearby residents and businesses.

Site supervision will be maintained throughout the programme, including weekends, to ensure all works continue to meet legal requirements and the highest health and safety standards.

Strong warning against entering the site

While the works present a very low risk to people passing the site due to the extensive controls in place, attempting to enter the building or access the site poses a serious and potentially life-threatening risk.

Security fencing has been installed around the site to prevent unauthorised access and must not be breached under any circumstances.

We are urging members of the public, particularly young people and urban explorers, not to enter the building. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibres into the air, which can be harmful if inhaled. Young people are especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they have a longer lifetime during which asbestos-related illnesses could develop.

Anyone considering entering the site is strongly advised not to do so. The building remains an active construction site, and unauthorised access could expose individuals to significant health and safety hazards.

Accessing Paignton town centre

The asbestos removal programme will not affect the highway, and existing traffic management arrangements, including the single open lane through the area, will remain in place throughout the works.

Pedestrians travelling to the railway station, bus station, library, nearby businesses or car parks should continue to use the designated footpath on the opposite side of the road and should not attempt to walk along the highway.

These arrangements have been put in place to protect public safety, and everyone is asked to follow the signage and directions while the works are underway.

Taxi ranks remain available at both ends of Torbay Road and are clearly signposted. Motorists are reminded not to park in designated taxi spaces, which must remain available for licensed taxi services.

Pay-and-display parking remains available on Torbay Road, with several public car parks located within easy walking distance of the town centre.

Next steps for the site

Once it is safe to do so, work will continue to deconstruct the remaining parts of the building, bringing the structure down to ground level. The council remains hopeful that this phase can be completed without any further impact on the highway and without the need for major demolition machinery.

Looking ahead, we hope the owners of 62-70 Victoria Street will bring forward proposals for the site's future through the planning process. Any future development should complement the town centre, reflect local planning policies and recognise the site's prominent location within a conservation area.

We remain committed to working constructively with the owners to support appropriate proposals for this important gateway site in Paignton.

The costs associated with the emergency works carried out at the site will be recovered from the building's owners, ensuring that local taxpayers do not bear the financial burden.