Torbay Council has said work to safely remove asbestos from a privately-owned former hotel will begin on Monday. The buildings at 62-70 Victoria Street in Paignton, Devon, are being managed by the council, which appointed contractors in July to fully demolish them.
Ahead of the removal, the structure will be enclosed to create a "sealed and airtight" working environment. Specialist licensed contractors will then remove asbestos insulating board from parts of the ground floor, a process expected to take about four weeks.
Councillor Chris Lewis said: "The safety of the public, local businesses and workers is our absolute priority. This work is being undertaken by specialist licensed contractors operating within a fully controlled environment and under stringent safety regulations."
He added: "The risk to people passing the site is extremely low, and the works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption while ensuring this important phase of work is completed safely."
The council warned that anyone "attempting to enter the building or access the site poses a serious and potentially life-threatening risk". It added: "We are urging members of the public, particularly young people and urban explorers, not to enter the building."
Once it is safe, the council said it would continue work to deconstruct the remaining parts of the building, hoping to complete the work without further impact on the highway or major demolition machinery. It also said: "Looking ahead, we hope the owners of 62-70 Victoria Street will bring forward proposals for the site's future through the planning process."
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Asbestos Removal to Begin at Former Paignton Hotel