March 31st, 2006

A budget of $35,000 has been granted for asbestos removal work after the substance was found at the Wakeley Street Seymour Police Department building recently. The building was being renovated to turn it into the Seymour Ambulance Association Headquarters, but the renovations had to be put on hold following the discovery of asbestos.

The funds to clean up the asbestos were quickly arranged following the discovery in order to minimize on delays to the renovation work. Officials stated that they were surprised to learn that there was asbestos in the building. It was apparently found in the glazing around the windows after contractors began working on the site.

A spokesperson stated: "Under the law, anytime a town owns a building where something is being done, it must abate all the asbestos. It becomes a legal obligation to remove the asbestos, and we can't use the grant money."

Once the works to get rid of the asbestos have been completed an independent company will be brought in to carry out a report to ensure that the building is clean before renovation works can recommence.