Alkmaar in asbestos shutdown

Authorities sounded the alarm, Friday afternoon, in an area surrounding the industrial area, "Overstad," in Alkmaar. After a large fire in the night of Thursday on Friday, asbestos was found on Friday. Authorities quickly locked down the surrounding area. Although the residents of eight houseboats are allowed to return at their own risk, 21 stores and industrial properties will remain closed until everything is cleaned up, which may take a week. Asbestos removal (asbestcrew.nl) Starting Friday the City will provide security in the area. Cleaning of the public areas will start on Saturday. The stores will also need cleaning since staff and customers brought in asbestos particles on their shoes, Friday morning. In a meeting with mayor Piet Bruinooge entrepreneurs expressed their concern about the security, revenue loss, and the supply of information. The City leaves it up to residents whether they want to return. The asbestos levels are higher than the norm, but having to leave ones home offhand, isn't healthy either. The residents have been made aware of the dangers. The mayor admits the City is not entirely sure about the best course of action, receiving different recommendations from different sources. 'We are presented with a dilemma. As government we're not entirely sure about the best course of action, so it's best to be honest about it,' said the mayor. A neighborhood across the water will also be searched for asbestos particles on Saturday, but the City doesn't expect any additional problems.