Samples of asbestos-containing material have been discovered within the construction site of the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) announced today.

The work to create the permanent foundations of the Stadium has been halted in one section of the site as a precautionary measure. Work on the rest of the Olympic Stadium site and the rest of the Olympic Park continues as normal.


Lawrence Waterman, ODA Head of Health and Safety said: "As part of our health, safety and environmental monitoring, a small amount of asbestos-containing material has been discovered within the ground of the Olympic Stadium. The health and safety of the workforce is our number one priority and we have taken the precautionary measure of stopping work in this area.

"We are working with the relevant authorities and expect work to re-start progressively as protective measures are put in place over the next few days."

Construction started on the Olympic Stadium site in May 2008, three months earlier than originally planned and the piling work to create the permanent foundation are over halfway through.

(CD/JM)