A former prison being prepared to house asylum seekers does contain asbestos, it has been confirmed.

The highly carcinogenic material has been found in two of 77 boreholes drilled at the site by the Home Office.

Asbestos has been confirmed to be in the heating system, which is a massive boiler room exposed to the elements and there are traces of asbestos in the ground as a result of a prison fire in 1986.

The 80-year-old derelict site in Bexhill was described as an “environmental health disaster zone” by concerned residents who fear it could have a “massive impact on our NHS” if migrants are allowed to stay.

The Argus: The roof of the boiler room containing asbestos which is exposed to the elementsThe roof of the boiler room containing asbestos which is exposed to the elements

The news comes amid uproar at the plans announced in March, which revealed that it could house up to 800 migrants by September this year.

Huw Merriman, Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle, said that senior Home Office officials confirmed asbestos being present at the site during a meeting last week.

Mr Merriman said: “A toxicology report is currently being undertaken to establish levels of contamination. The Home Office provided reassurance that contamination is not as significant as many people fear and that this is a purely precautionary approach.

The Argus: Destroyed roofs which contained asbestos which is still on the floor of the site in 1986 Destroyed roofs which contained asbestos which is still on the floor of the site in 1986 (Image: Argus Archive)

“77 boreholes have been drilled onsite, with two flagging issues of contamination. Asbestos has been found in the heating system. As a result of the fire on the site in 1986, traces of asbestos from the roofs has also been found in the ground. Asbestos will be removed from the site by specialists.

“The Home Office has also worked with the Environment Agency to confirm there is no water contamination. Work will also be undertaken to ensure that the sewage system on site is fit for purpose.”

Mr Merriman said a toxicology report is being undertaken to find out the level and volume of contamination on the site to ensure it is safe.

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The process is expected to take around six weeks - up to the end of May. After that the purchase of Northeye will go through and the centre will be set up.

The confirmation comes as The Argus reported on concerns’ regarding the toxic substance being at the site, which the Home Office did not confirm or deny.

Northeye was a category C prison from 1969 to 1992 and suffered a massive fire because of a riot in April 1986.

The Argus: The asbestos-ridden boiler room can be seen on the right with the chimneyThe asbestos-ridden boiler room can be seen on the right with the chimney

Roofing which contained asbestos was set ablaze.

Brian Setchfield, 68, who lives near the prison, said: “The concern now is that everything the government seem to be handling seems to be happening in the 11th hour. Why didn’t they come out with that at the beginning?

“They say in the report, it isn’t as bad as it looks. Yes it is.

“I am still not happy for them to continue with the scheme, I am not happy for anybody to be put in there. When you remove asbestos, it takes a long period of time to clear that asbestos.

“They have done 77 boreholes, that’s nothing. They will need to take two inches off the top of the whole site and test it.

“I don’t think the site will be ready by September, not a hope in hell.”

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Any accommodation used in response to the increasing pressures on the UK asylum system will be fit for purpose and meet all relevant housing and health and safety rules. 

“The current site will be refurbished and brought up to the required standard.”