ASBESTOS has been found buried in the grounds of two Thamesmead primary schools.

Soil sampling in preparation for building works detected trace amounts of the chemical at Jubilee Primary School, in Crowden Way Crossway, and Castilion Primary School, in Copperfield Road.

The samples were taken to check for contaminants in the ground before the start of construction.

After very small traces of asbestos were found, Bexley Council arranged for further sampling of the fields and grounds at both schools.

The headteachers of both schools have written to parents to advise them of the findings and have reassured them that the asbestos will not have posed a risk to their children’s health.

Both school fields were taken out of use in the autumn of last year as Jubilee school experienced waterlogging and Castilion school had building works.

The fields continued to be out of use while the asbestos samples were analysed.

Jubilee School's playing field was used for a Diamond Jubilee celebration on June 1.

Some areas of the field were fenced off and others were temporarily covered with a trackway to prevent the ground being disturbed.

Council officers are working with specialist consultants to consider the options for dealing with the affected areas at both schools.

A council spokesman said: "Specialist analysis of the soil samples has shown that a very small number contain trace amounts of asbestos.

"The contaminated samples were all found buried in the ground.

"No asbestos was found on the surface. Asbestos is only a hazard to health when breathed in as airborne dust.

"Where it is buried, it cannot be breathed in and is safe if it is not disturbed."

Soil Samples

At Jubilee School 229 soil samples were taken at varying depths. Trace amounts of asbestos were detected in 4.4 per cent of the samples.

At Castilion School 132 samples were taken at varying depths. Trace amounts of asbestos were detected in 3 per cent of the samples.