Asbestos found at Cambridgeshire skate park

A parish council was informed about the concerns by a resident who independently tested samples of soil

A recently opened skate park in a Cambridgeshire village has closed after the presence of asbestos was confirmed. Lynton Way Skate Park in Sawston has temporarily closed after asbestos was found in the soil surrounding the skate park.

Sawston Parish Council was informed by a resident who independently got samples and arranged for them to be tested. Following this, the parish council said they “acted immediately” and the skate park, which opened in April 2026, was closed while further testing was carried out.

According to the council, results confirmed asbestos in two small areas specifically within small fragments of debris found on site.

A spokesperson for Sawston Parish Council said that “Enviornmental Health has advised that asbestos only poses a risk if it becomes airborne” and that “the majority of the area around the skate park is not contaminated”.

Specialist contractors are due to remove the affected material and replace the soil on Monday, May 18. Until the works are complete, the affected area will remain securely fenced off.

New topsoil is being supplied from a “reputable, quality-assured source, screened and independently tested to meet British Standards”, the council assured.

The parish council spokesperson added: “We appreciate that this closure is disappointing, particularly so soon after the skate park was opened. However, these precautionary measures are being taken to provide an additional level of assurance over and above standard practice and to ensure public safety.

“At each point, the Council has followed the advice and recommendations of the Environmental Health officers. Once the Parish Council is satisfied that the remediation work has been completed to the appropriate standard, the skate park will be reopened.”