WORK to demolish Abertillery Leisure Centre could finally start in the coming weeks as asbestos removal costing £1million nears completion.

Demolition of the leisure centre has been delayed by more than 18 months after asbestos was found.

A pre-demolition survey carried out by MSS Consulting missed areas of asbestos which meant work had to be suspended, Blaenau Gwent council has said.

The company has said it fully co-operated with the council to try to resolve the issue since it was brought to its attention.

After the asbestos was found, Blaenau Gwent council had to find a new firm to remove the asbestos at a cost of £998,992.00.

Work to remove asbestos started in December last year and is now due to be completed on Friday (July 27).

It was delayed by 11 weeks after further contamination was found in the building but it is still expected to be completed within budget.

Once asbestos has been removed from the building demolition work will begin.

Work to demolish the leisure centre is expected to cost around £396,000.

The leisure centre is now expected to be demolished by October 27 this year, 84 weeks later than the original expected date of March, 2016.

Blaenau Gwent council has said it is considering cost recovery against MSS Consulting.

At a corporate overview scrutiny committee on Monday, Cllr Malcolm Cross (Labour, Sirhowy ward) asked for an update on progress over pursuing some ‘clawback’ for the costs.

Clove Rogers, head of community services, said the council is currently waiting until the completion of asbestos removal before it evaluated the cost implications.

Cllr Joanne Collins (Independent, Llanhilleth) asked for an update on when work to remove asbestos will be completed.

Mr Rogers said final works are now being completed before a certificate of reoccupation will be issued.

Cllr David Wilkshire (Labour, Rassau) said: “It is necessary to get the leisure centre removed because of the dangers to the general public.

“The sooner it can be done the better.”