Work to tackle potentially toxic mould at Hamilton Police Station is today due to be stepped up by Government.

Painting, sealing and other repairs on the inside of the building will begin by Works and Engineering staff, in response to a string of worrying findings by Bermuda Water Consultants (BWC).

Government has recently faced criticism for allowing Police officers to continue to work in the station after a BWC report last November revealed it was riddled with water damage, cracked walls, dirt and dust.

Asked whether a clean-up programme was in place, Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary Derrick Binns said a schedule for repairs and sequence has been agreed with Bermuda Police Service.

Dr. Binns said progress already completed included the cleaning of air conditioners and filters by Works and Engineering, while Police have decanted the third floor and carried out extra cleaning work to improve air quality.

Internal works will start today on a floor by floor basis, from the top storey down, said Dr. Binns. Following the completion of internal repairs, contractors will be brought in to carry out external painting and repairs of the building.

BWC recommended a list of 20 emergency measures to bring the problem under control last November.

Last week, Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson said she believed some Police officers had claimed to be ill from the mould, while others deserved assurances they are not working in an unhealthy environment. Mrs. Jackson said she had recently visited the station and seen no evidence of work in progress.

Problems at the Police station come after a mould crisis which forced the closure of CedarBridge Academy for a $4 million clean-up programme last November. A number of teachers have claimed the condition of the school has made them sick.

Work on a replacement Hamilton Police Station and court building is due to start this year, although the move is four years behind schedule.