Relief as Chalford playing fields are deemed safe to reopen
Mole activity led to discovery of potential asbestos signs
The Valley Playing Field in Chalford will reopen next week, it has been shut since last year when moles in the area dug up what people thought was asbestos.
Chalford Parish Council were made aware of potential cement bound asbestos was being brought to the surface by mole activity.
The playing field was closed for further investigations into what the substance was. Results of the investigation were then reviewed by the environmental health team at Stroud District Council
They determined that ''Chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite asbestos lie beneath the surface.
Chrysotile is present at the surface in molehills but the level of fibre release is of no significant risk of significant harm.”
The parish council has announced this month that it is “relieved and delighted” to report the public health risk is very low and there are plans in place to open the site on August 28.
Green Party councillor Tricia Watson, who represents Chalford at Ebley Mill applauded the parish council for “doing an excellent job in being thorough and making sure that it is safe to reopen”.
“It has been a great combined effort between the district council and contaminated land specialists chasing the consultants,”
The playing fields will reopen next week and a new grass mower will reduce levels of airborne fibres and hopefully reduce mole activity.