Recovery work at the explosives building that caught fire at a leading nuclear weapons factory has begun.
AWE have announced that the affected building contained asbestos which was damaged in the fire.
The blaze at the Atomic Weapons Establishment's Aldermaston site at the beginning of last month required the evacuation of 14 residents in Red Lane.
Chief Executive Officer at AWE, Robin McGill, said: “I can confirm that the investigation is underway. It is now important that it is allowed to take its course so we get a thorough understanding of exactly what happened.”
He added: “I would like to re-iterate that the findings of the investigation will be reported to the AWE Local Liaison Committee and shared with the public.”
The base, which is responsible for research, design and manufacturing of the UK's nuclear arsenal, said the asbestos damage did not affect staff or members of the public.
They said that any asbestos was localised to the immediate vicinity of the building which has been confirmed by testing on and off-site. During the recovery period the asbestos will be dealt with according to strict safety procedures.
Since the August 3 blaze, all operations associated with the building have been suspended and an two separate investigations have been launched, one led by an external independent chairman and the other carried out by the Hazardous Installations Directorate of the Health and Safety Executive.
Chairman of the Aldermaston Parish Council, Councillor David Shirt, who sits on the AWE Local Liason Committee, said that the committee have been told they will get the results of the inquiry.
He said: “With the results, I know they have to be careful about what they can make public under the Official Secrets Act.
“Therefore we will make sure everything that is appropiate and relevant is made public. We are very much guided by the interests and safety of the public.
“If there is a hint of wrongdoing or covering up of information, then we will create a stink about it. However this is something I have never yet come across.”
