Holly Court asbestos fears shut down by housing provider

The demolition of the Holly Court complex in Dorchester Road is continuing to clear the site for redevelopment, and a former resident of the flats has shared his concerns about asbestos being present in the building.

He claimed that following major damage to the building which occurred during Storm Eunice, asbestos had become exposed in his flat whilst he was living there.

Asbestos was used in many industries and buildings until it was banned in 1999. Around 5,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases which typically take decades to develop.

The former resident, who wished to remain anonymous  said: “There was asbestos in my flat which I may well have been inhaling for over a year until management from (housing provider) Anchor finally took notice of my complaint and eventually the asbestos was encapsulated.

“It’s well-known that if you inhale any form of asbestos, it carries many life-threatening implications.”

Asbestos in Holly Court (Image: Former Holly Court resident)

The resident flagged his concerns about asbestos being present in the building during the demolition - however Anchor has made assurances that it was safely removed before demolition began.

Part of the demolition works involved a full Health and Safety Executive compliant strip-out of asbestos.

A spokesperson for Anchor said: “We are aware from our ongoing management surveys that asbestos was present in Holly Court, which is common in most buildings constructed before 1980.

“A surveyor attended the property in March 2020 and a panel was found to contain asbestos which was encapsulated in accordance with Health and Safety Executive guidance.

“As part of the demolition works to redevelop Holly Court following Storm Eunice, all asbestos has been fully removed from the building and certified for its safe removal.”

Holly Court demolition (Image: Hollie Carr)

The presence of asbestos in the building was a major factor in the decision to demolish it as Anchor claimed the option to keep the existing building was not viable, compounded by the presence of asbestos.

The demolition will make way for 34 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats for social rent for those aged over 55, with communal facilities including a lounge with kitchenette for social activities and purpose-built storage for scooters.

READ MORE: Demolition to begin at Holly Court

READ MORE: Elderly residents concerned at "uncertain future" over residential home repairs

Anchor is working alongside local building company C G Fry and Son to complete the development.