Works planned at indoor market

Work to remove asbestos found at Ashfield’s indoor market will start in the coming weeks.

The asbestos is in five market stalls and an office and was discovered during routine checks at Idlewells market in Sutton, operated by Ashfield District Council.

Experts say it poses no imminent threat to public health but now it has been found, the safest and most sensible course of action is to remove it.

Disruption will be kept to a minimum while the work is taking place with affected traders moved to alternative stalls within the market.

The market will also remain fully open for business throughout.

Cllr Matt Relf, executive lead for growth, regeneration and local planning, said:

“Routine checks have discovered some asbestos within five stalls and an office area within the market. We have been regularly monitoring the air quality and carrying out tests to ensure it is fully contained and poses no imminent threat to public health.

“We’re confident that remains the case but it is prudent to have it safely removed to eradicate the risk altogether.”

The Council has engaged with affected stall holders to keep them informed and is now finalising plans with an expert contractor who will complete the work.

In addition, the Council will also refurbish the toilets inside the market.

Cllr Relf added:

“We’re hopeful work will get under way in the coming weeks. The asbestos will be removed at night when the market is closed, and we will keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the market is kept fully open for business.”

Posted on 03 March 2026