August 22nd, 2005

The South Middlesex Opportunity Council has denied a charge that a nursing home that it recently bought is riddled with asbestos. The nursing home bought by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council is on Winter Street, and accusations have been made that there is a high level of asbestos in the building. However, the South Middlesex Opportunity Council has stated that tests carried out on the property have shown no asbestos dangers, although it has shown some level of lead.

The lead was in paint that had been used in the building, and over forty thousand dollars has been spent in order to get this removed. The South Middlesex Opportunity Council is trying to get the building into shape in order to make it habitable. Officials were unhappy about the reports of asbestos contamination that have come to light.

One official stated: "There's been a lot of misinformation out there about this and some of the other buildings we own in this town." Officials also stated that the former nursing home will be used to house up to fifteen families, and confirmed that tests had been carried out. "Our intention is to continue working to move into the place as soon as we can. We feel comfortable with the test we've done. If there was a problem, we'd correct it."