A walkway in Corringham has been found to have asbestos on its roof after a concerned resident had the tiles tested.

Adam Marshall, from Corringham, noticed the ceiling of a walk-through on St John’s Way was falling apart.

He inspected some debris from the ceiling to see what was causing it.

Having worked in the removals industry for 15 years, Marshall recognised it as asbestos and quickly took a sample to be tested.

After having a small part of the roof tested by Riverside, an Asbestos Bulk Identification Certificate was returned to Mr Marshall confirming that tile was contaminated with asbestos.

Mr Marshall said: “The walkthrough is to get into the town centre. My biggest worry is the children at the park may use this route to the chippy or Gregg’s and people use the stairs to get to their flats.”

The ceiling in the walkthrough has since been partially boarded up.

Mr Marshall revisited the location and believes the area is still dangerous.

He continued: “Last time I was there they have done something to protect it, but not enough as there are open voids.

“With the asbestos insulation board being raw it’s still in a dangerous but, at least, in a better state.”

Although unable to disclose the name of owner, Thurrock Council has confirmed that the walk-through is privately owned.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Aaron Watkins said: “The council has written to the owner to urge quick action – however, the regulatory responsibility in this instance lies with the Health and Safety Executive.”

The walkway is situated next to a Savers on St John’s Way in Corringham town centre.

Asbestos is a term for a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres that used to be used to insulate homes in the UK.

The product is now banned in the UK as it can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer.

The issue has been reported to the HSE.