A Dark Shadow of Asbestos: Unsafe Practices at the Cliffdene Hotel Demolition

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News Summary

The demolition of the Cliffdene Hotel raised serious health and safety concerns due to unsafe asbestos practices, endangering workers and the local community.

A Dark Shadow of Asbestos: Unsafe Practices at the Cliffdene Hotel Demolition

The summer of 2020 marked a troubling chapter in health and safety standards during the demolition of the Cliffdene Hotel in Newquay. Workers, including an individual referred to as James Smith, faced perilous conditions that put them at risk of exposure to dangerous asbestos. Employed by Paul Stephens and the now-defunct Stephens & Stephens Developers Ltd, James has come forward to shed light on the dangerous circumstances surrounding the project.

Lack of Safety Gear and Dangerous Conditions

On the site, workers were inadequately equipped to handle the risks associated with asbestos. Many donned only shorts and T-shirts, accompanied by paper masks, while they were tasked with the hazardous job of removing asbestos materials. James reported that asbestos dust was omnipresent, creating an environment ripe for danger. The absence of protective gear raises critical questions about the responsibility of the contractor.

Moreover, workers were instructed to strip asbestos materials during ongoing demolition efforts without any safety checks to ensure the area was clear of individuals. It seemed that expediency trumped safety measures, exposing workers to a host of health risks. James noted that Paul Stephens, the company owner, failed to acknowledge the exposure risks and did not apologize for the unsafe practices that left many workers unaware of the dangers of asbestos.

Safety Concerns Ignored

TMS Environmental, a specialist asbestos removal company, raised alarms over safety protocols only to be dismissed, highlighting the negligence at play. Staff members were seen removing asbestos tiles without proper precautions, further compounding concerns about worker safety. Risks heightened as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) later discovered both unlicensed and licensed asbestos still present in samples taken after the hotel’s demolition.

Financial Consequences and Accountability

In a startling development, Paul Stephens pleaded guilty to health and safety violations related to the improper disposal of asbestos and faced a fine totalling £91,929. Remarkably, he managed to avoid jail time. The fallout continued as Stephens & Stephens Developers Ltd went into liquidation in March 2024, following unpaid debts owed to Travis Perkins Trading Company, leaving many subcontractors and tradesmen unpaid.

Seeking Justice

In the wake of these events, James and his colleagues are now pursuing legal action against Paul Stephens for their exposure to asbestos. A looming fear among current workers is the potential for long-term health complications, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, which may arise as a direct result of their dangerous working environment. Workers have described Paul Stephens as manipulative and threatening, creating an intimidating atmosphere that dissuaded them from voicing their concerns about safety.

Uncertain Future and New Developments

Amidst the chaotic circumstances surrounding the hotel’s demolition, a significant amount of unsafe asbestos materials were reportedly improperly removed, raising concerns about their disposal and the potential ramifications for both workers and local residents. Already under scrutiny for its past practices, the company faced further challenges regarding its restructuring attempts during an ongoing financial crisis.

Currently, a new development named Cliff Edge 2 is under construction adjacent to the site of the former Cliffdene Hotel. Local residents have been vocal about their concerns over the demolition and the ensuing construction project, citing a lack of consultation and expressing their fears regarding safety risks and construction disruption.

Nevertheless, the developer has assured the community that measures will be put in place to mitigate disruption, including the implementation of dust suppression and noise management strategies during the construction process.

The Burden of Asbestos Still Looms

The unraveling saga of the Cliffdene Hotel demolition paints a concerning picture of how profit can overshadow safety. With many workers potentially facing life-altering health issues due to exposure to asbestos, the repercussions of inadequate preparation and oversight reflect a dire need for accountability and industry reform. As James and others pursue justice for their ordeal, the hope for stringent safety measures looms large, echoing through the community.