THE demolition of the former Brecon Court residential block has resumed following the discovery of asbestos on the Barry site.

Work on Brecon Court was due for completion in April this year, but the redevelopment scheme was halted when the hazardous material was discovered.

The Vale council cabinet decided to proceed with an 'options appraisal' and public consultation exercise to determine suitable housing options on the site in February this year.

The cabinet agreed, at a previous meeting in November that the existing building would be demolished and, when demolition was complete, the site would be made secure to reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour.

Vale council cabinet member for regeneration and planning, Cllr Jonathan Bird said: "During the demolition of Brecon Court, asbestos not identified in an initial survey was found in parts of the building.

"Contractors were asked to stop work and leave the site while further testing was undertaken. As the demolition process progressed, it was possible to gain better access to certain areas of the building and a revised asbestos survey has now been completed.

“When carrying out projects such as this, the council puts safety measures in place to protect against any unforeseen dangers.

"These have been fully effective in preventing any release of asbestos into the environment.

"All asbestos from this site has now been removed and the demolition project has been given the all clear to continue.”

Buttrills ward Vale and Barry Town councillor Ian Johnson said: “There is a long list of people waiting for appropriate social housing in Barry, especially since the Tories introduced the bedroom tax.

“In those circumstances it is a great shame that it is has taken so long to demolish and rebuild Brecon Court – a site with around 30 flats upon it.

“The fact that this was left on the back-burner for so long by the previous Labour cabinet, when it should have been a priority, shows a disinterest in re-developing the site and improving the area.

“I hope these asbestos problems are cleared up safely by the council and contractors and that a full planning application is brought forward to develop the site.”