RHODAR GIVES ASBESTOS THE RED CARD AT ELLAND ROAD

Recent Leeds United shirt sponsor and club supporter, Rhodar, ensures fans can celebrate the opening of new Billy’s Bar with confidence

Following the redevelopment of Leeds United Football Club’s South Stand, which uncovered asbestos within the panels below the stand’s windows, asbestos removal specialists and club supporter Rhodar successfully removed the material and completed the project.

The discovery of the asbestos came about during preparations for the grand re-opening of the South Stand at Leeds United and the opening of a brand new fans’ bar, Billy’s Bar, which pays homage to the club’s football legend, Billy Bremner.

The asbestos removal phase of the project found Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) and asbestos containing textured coating.

Over a three-week period, all contaminated materials were removed safely under fully controlled conditions involving mandatory notification to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Rhodar, working with Leeds-based site contractors CADDICK, found that the asbestos board was hidden between metal facia and breeze block. Although it proved difficult to reach, it posed no hazard to the general public at any time. However, it was vital to ensure the asbestos was removed correctly as this part of the South Stand was at the hub of the new Billy’s Bar development.

Jason Davy, Managing Director of Rhodar said: “The asbestos found within Elland Road’s South Stand was not untypical for the age of the structure and would not present any risk to the public but it did need to be removed in the appropriate manner prior to the redevelopment”.

“Having identified the type and quantity of asbestos, a team of highly skilled operatives undertook the removal process safely and effectively within the agreed timescales. We hope fans can now enjoy watching Leeds progress up the table from the South Stand and also the new Billy’s Bar as well.”

Steve Lewis, Head of Commercial at Leeds United Football Club, said: “Thanks to Rhodar, we were able to re-open the South Stand to fans on schedule in mid-September, safe in the knowledge there is no risk from asbestos.

“While we knew from the beginning that the asbestos was never a risk to fans, we are grateful to Rhodar for acting quickly and efficiently to restore assurance among the thousands of United fans during this redevelopment period.”

For more information on Rhodar, go to www.rhodar.co.uk or call the National Asbestos Helpline on 0800 834 669.

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