Health Hydro asbestos find

The substance was found in the Swindon Council run Turkish bath at the Health Hydro on Milton Road.

It was discovered when workers began renovations on the 116-year-old premises in mid-November.

The work, which included fitting new showers and laying tiles to the baths, was originally to take only two weeks.

However once decorators began work, the substance was discovered in the ceiling, and forced the council to close the baths for a ‘few weeks’, while it is contained and disposed of.

The council said that neither users nor staff will face a risk by using the facilities provided at the Victorian built centre.

But hydro users remained surprised by the find, which is to keep the baths closed for two to three more weeks.

Chris Hamilton, who has been using the pool since 1969, said: “My family love the Victorian bath we were up in arms when they wanted to do away with it.

“It’s a beautiful building if any work needs to be done to it needs to be done.”

Marc Taylor, a member of the Health Hydro, said he was surprised when he heard they found asbestos so late in the works.

He said: “It is a building that has been used a long time by a lot of people in Swindon.

“You would think they would know where the asbestos was before they started works like this.

“I hope it doesn’t delay repair works too much. As long as it is appropriately contained, as it usually is these days, I will continue to use the facilities.”

A council spokesman said: “No members of public or staff were in this area at the time, as it was closed for the refurbishment work.

“Necessary measures will now be taken to remove the asbestos, in line with safety procedures.

“It is anticipated that this will take a few weeks.

“The Turkish baths will therefore remain closed until further notice and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Asbestos is present in many buildings and providing it is dealt with in an appropriate manner, it does not pose a safety risk.”