A contractor has been prosecuted for asbestos safety failings on a demolition project in Bedfordshire.

Anthony West, of Earwig Farm House, Pavenham, Bedford pleaded guilty to breaching sections 5,7,8 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. He was fined £2,970 with £5,419 in costs.

Luton Magistrates Court heard how Mr West was contracted to complete demolition work at a building in Biggleswade in 2015.

Mr West had a pre-demolition asbestos survey carried out for the building. However, a member of the public reported the demolition work to the Health and Safety Executive on 15 April that year, prompting an investigation.

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HSE found that West did not adequately check the pre-demolition asbestos survey before carrying out the work, and did not follow advice to use a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

HSE inspector Alison Outhwaite said the safety failings "could have led to severe illness in later years".

"West not only put himself at risk to exposure but potentially to fellow workers and members of the public walking past," she said.

"Duty holders have the responsibility to ensure that adequate assessments take place to avoid the risk of asbestos exposure. This includes checking the accuracy and clarity of any information provided by others."

(LM/MH)