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Mount Batten Beach closed in Plymouth due to ongoing asbestos contamination mystery
Overview
Mount Batten Beach in Plymouth has been fenced off since the summer after tests found asbestos fibres in sand samples, posing potential health risks if inhaled. The issue began over six years ago, with more than 1.5 tonnes of asbestos-containing material cleared from the shoreline and nearby sites. Residents and experts suspect the contamination originates from buried construction and roofing waste linked to the former RAF Mount Batten base, which is being exposed by coastal erosion. The closure has disrupted local swimmers, businesses, and the community, prompting calls for urgent action from local MPs and residents as the council searches for a solution.
Key points
- Mount Batten Beach in Plymouth has been closed since July following the discovery of asbestos fibres in sand samples.
- More than 1.5 tonnes of material containing asbestos has been cleared from the shoreline and nearby sites since the first discovery in 2019.
- Experts and residents believe the asbestos originates from buried roofing and construction waste from the former RAF Mount Batten base, exposed via coastal erosion.
- Inhaling asbestos fibres can increase the risk of serious health conditions, including lung cancer and asbestosis, decades after exposure.
- The closure has broken up a popular local swimming community and negatively impacted nearby businesses, including the closure of a local restaurant.
- Plymouth City Council states that reopening the beach is a high priority, though identifying the exact source and appointing contractors to resolve the issue remains a complex task.