Letter sent to Newton Longville residents after asbestos found in debris following fatal explosion
A letter has been sent to residents of Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville, after materials containing asbestos were found in the debris following a fatal explosion at a bungalow earlier this month.
Stephen Woodward, 67, died in hospital after an explosion at his bungalow in the village on the morning of Sunday August 9.
The building then went up in flames before being reduced to rubble, with nearby residents evacuated, taking refuge in The Crooked Billet pub and later the village hall.
The letter was sent to residents by Buckinghamshire Council on August 13 in advance of them returning to their home but was shared online by Newton Longville Parish Council yesterday (August 19).
In the letter Buckinghamshire Council writes: “Following the tragic house explosion in Newton Longville, some materials containing asbestos have been found in the debris. “The council has consulted with a professional asbestos removal contractor and scientists at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to assess what, if any, ongoing risk these may pose to the local community.
“The health risks associated with asbestos are generally linked to prolonged or repeated exposure to much higher concentrations of fibres over many years, most commonly in enclosed, occupational settings.
“A brief exposure to Asbestos Containing Materials is insignificant for members of the public when compared with lifetime background exposure already present in ambient air.
“The UKHSA have reassured us that the ongoing risk to members of the local community resulting from any release of asbestos in this explosion is low. “Specialist contractors are carrying out clean-up work within the cordoned area, following expert safety advice.”
Residents have been advised not to attempt clearing up ash, dust or other debris that may have come from the explosion and to instead speak to a local authority representative on site who will arrange for it to be safely collected or disposed of.
Residents have also been advised that as a precaution any items left outside at the time of the explosion, such as washing on a clothes line, outdoor toys or similar items, should be washed in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes to remove possible traces of asbestos fibres.
Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive are continuing to investigate the incident.
On Sunday August 16 the bell at St Faith’s Church in the village tolled at 9.42am (the time of the explosion a week earlier) in memory of Stephen Woodward, before a period of two minutes silence was held.
A prayer and short sermon were conducted in the church following the tolling and the silence.
Stephen was a member at Wing Sports and Social Club and a fundraising page set up the club in his memory has currently raised £525.