INVESTIGATIONS began this week into whether there is asbestos buried at the site of the proposed Royston rail underpass. Dense foliage is being removed from the north-western side of the underpass site, at Coombes Hole. Anecdotal evidence suggests some c

INVESTIGATIONS began this week into whether there is asbestos buried at the site of the proposed Royston rail underpass.

Dense foliage is being removed from the north-western side of the underpass site, at Coombes Hole.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some cement-bound asbestos was buried there some time ago.

Cllr Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs at Hertfordshire County Council, said the investigation was "very much a precaution".

He said: "It is important that we take the various anecdotal accounts seriously and proceed accordingly.

"All proper safeguards will be in place.

"We would not expect any significant release of fibres, even if suspect materials are found."

A full survey and testing regime will be carried out once the vegetation is removed.

The underpass scheme, which will cost an estimated £3.25million, will link the Burns Road estate with the rest of Royston.

It was hoped that work would begin at Christmas 2009.

But this has been delayed until 2010 because of legal issues surrounding the land needed for the project.