An affordable housing project in a Fife village has been halted after the discovery of white asbestos.
Work is suspended at the site on Station Road in Thornton, after the substance was detected by investigators on a recent visit.
Although the material was not identified in test pits during preliminary inspections of the site, three samples of an asbestos cement product containing white asbestos were found on the surface of the ground.
The project to construct 11 properties has already proven contentious with local residents, who are said to be concerned about traffic congestion in the area.
Local SNP councillor Ross Vettraino told The Courier: “There has been a sign on-site for several years warning about the presence of asbestos and local residents are aware that asbestos had been removed in the past.
“I assured local residents that the council would take every step to determine if the site was free now from asbestos and that is exactly what it has done.
“As the site was not secure, gaps in the perimeter fencing of the site have already been closed.
“A further and more detailed asbestos survey will be done and if, necessary, the site will be decontaminated.”
Letters are to be sent to residents, warning them of the find, although Fife Council admits that it cannot provide a timetable as to when any further work at the site can take place.
Mike McArdle, lead professional, added: “I’d like to reassure everyone that there is no danger from this asbestos at the moment.
“We are making arrangements to carry out an asbestos survey of the site to determine if there are any other asbestos products on site.
“We have written to all nearby residents to keep them up to date with what’s happening and to reassure them they are at no risk from this asbestos.
“At this point, until a full survey has been carried out it is impossible to give an estimate of what will happen on the site and when.”