COMPLAINTS have been made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with fears of asbestos at an Orpington site.

Demolition work was started last week on a large industrial property on Cray Avenue, and a woman in a building nearby said she has big concerns for local people and those doing the job.

Rachel Verghese works at TMS House directly opposite and said “it really looks like an asbestos roof”, adding that if so it’s not being dealt with safely.

After her father died of a disease brought on by the substance two and a half years ago she said she knows a lot about the “deadly” product and added she’s “is a bit scared” about the situation.

The 38-year-old said: “They’re knocking the life out of it. The building’s really old and manky.

“I don’t want to get too close – but the builders are just walking around. It’s deadly. It gets you in 30 years.

“It doesn’t look safe. You’re meant to remove asbestos carefully.”

She added she thinks the building used to be a CD making plant and has now been bought by car manufacturer Honda.

The HSE has reported it’s received complaints but can’t yet confirm whether asbestos, which it says is “the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK,” is involved.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “We are aware of complaints and we are making enquiries.

“People have been raising concerns.”

Bromley Council said it’s also been notified.