11:24am Friday 29th February 2008
By Elizabeth Pears
Asbestos removal at Alexandra Palace could cost about £225,000 - if it happens.
The figure, discussed at a meeting of the Palace's board of trustees on Tuesday, will quash speculation that all asbestos had been removed from the building.
The fibre was used to soundproof the palace's former television studios but has since been found to be dangerous.
But Palace trustees insist visitors are not in any danger of being exposed to the poisonous material as it can be found only in the old BBC studio in the south-east wing, which is closed to the public.
Councillor Matt Cooke, chair of the board, said: "Although a small part of the south-east wing has already been decontaminated, it is inaccurate to suggest the Palace is an asbestos-free zone.
"Restoration works need to include asbestos removal.
"It is in no one's interests to pretend there isn't a problem."
Affected areas will require extensive work to ensure parts of the palace currently inaccessible can be brought back into use.
At present, the board has no plans to remove the asbestos.
Clive Carter, a campaigner for pressure group Save Ally Pally, said: "The board has no money to remove asbestos but it has money for PR companies and lawyers' fees. It needs to get its priorities in order."
Trustees were involved in a high court battle last year with Jacob O'Callaghan, from Save Ally Pally, which opposed their decision to sign a lease to Firoka, which wanted to develop the building.
A PR company hired to work with trustees has cost almost £200,000 over the past three years.
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