St Ouen site closed as authorities remove suspected asbestos materials

Part of St Ouen has been temporarily closed off while specialist work is carried out to remove asbestos-containing material from the area.

Members of the public noticed the restricted zone along Five Mile Road, opposite Jersey Pearl, over the weekend. Warning notices at the scene stated that asbestos removal was underway and that access was limited to authorised personnel only.

The signs also warned that anyone dealing with the material must use protective clothing and respiratory equipment.

The closure led to speculation online, with some residents suggesting that asbestos waste from building materials may have been illegally dumped at the location.

However, the States of Jersey Police confirmed they had not received any recent reports of asbestos fly-tipping in the area.

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure and Environment said small amounts of cement-bonded asbestos had been discovered at the Five Mile Road site, and Natural Environment officers had arranged for the material to be cleared.

They said: “Should the public see anything suspected to be asbestos, please do not pick it up. Contact the Parish, who will identify the landowner.”

The department reminded islanders that asbestos waste can only be taken to one approved facility in Jersey — the Asbestos Reception and Disposal Facility at La Collette.

Guidance on safely disposing of household asbestos is available through the government’s website for anyone with concerns.