AN ENFIELD man labelled a housing association “a disgrace” after asbestos was found in soil they used to fill in his garden.

James Paul, of Cypress Avenue, asked Enfield Homes to level out his back garden after it was deemed dangerous for his two young children to play in because of steep drops.

But when contractors used 30 tonnes of soil to complete the work last summer, Mr Paul said he was shocked to find nappies, metal and glass in the soil, as well as white rocks – which later tests proved to be asbestos.

He said: “I have two young children and have not let them play in the garden of I am frightened of them being exposed to any level of asbestos whatsoever.

“This contaminated soil has now been in my garden for nearly a year – it's an absolute disgrace.”

After complaints by Mr Paul, tests carried out by workers found that the white rocks were chrysotile – a common type of asbestos used in buildings in the past but now banned by the European Union.

Mr Paul claims that workers from Enfield Homes told him that the asbestos was at safe levels.

But he added: “Their workers go out their to do tests in protective clothing when they dig up samples, but my kids are allowed to go out in their bare feet? It's crazy.

“My son likes digging up worms and all the things that small children do - he could go out there and put asbestos in his mouth and that could be the end of his life.”

Mr Paul believes that the soil is actually building rubble mixed with garden waste – with cement dust from the rubble explaining its grey colour.

Enfield Homes carried out more tests on the soil last week and are awaiting the results of these before taking any action, but said it used certified topsoil when the work was carried out in July last year.

In a statement, it said: “This certificate established that the soil was sandy loam top soil, without any contamination.

“Following this Mr Paul advised that he had concerns about the content of the soil. Tests were carried out and two small pieces of asbestos have been found in isolated areas in the garden.

“It is unclear at this time where these came from. Further investigation is ongoing at present to establish if there is any contamination of the said soil.

“The result of our investigation will inform us as to any further action required.”

In a letter to Enfield North MP Nick de Bois, seen by the Enfield Independent, Enfield Homes admitted that their expert had recommended "a complete replacement of the topsoil and turf".