Asbestos found in bowling club’s roof

AN Angus bowling club is faced with spending tens of thousands of pounds to remove asbestos from its clubhouse.

A contractor made the discovery in the roof space at Arbroath and District Indoor Bowling Club’s building in the town’s Cairnie Road.

It is thought removing the dangerous substance could cost as much as £60,000, with repairing or replacing the internal ceiling likely to add thousands more to the bill.

Air tests have been conducted within the 18,000 sq/ft premises and it is safe for members and visitors, but the club plans to remove the asbestos as soon as possible.

Club president Lynn Kinnear said: “We have identified an issue with asbestos in the building, which we are dealing with.

“It came to light earlier in the year when we had an external contractor doing some work for us.

“There is no risk to anyone and we are looking at options of how to deal with it.”

The club is in the process of getting quotes for the work, and while it does have financial reserves, it will also seek outside funding for the work to be carried out.

Ms Kinnear added: “The premises have been air tested over the summer to make absolutely sure there is no risk to anyone using them.”

The club’s premises were built 51 years ago and contain eight bowling rinks.