Additional measures have been taken to secure asbestos uncovered at the Fairmont Southampton, the hotel’s owner said today.

Westend Properties Ltd acknowledged the presence of asbestos at the site, which was reported to be visible from a public road near Boundary Sports Bar and Grille.

A company spokesman said that the asbestos had been sealed and placed in designated containers intended to be collected by a team from the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

He added: “Due to a delay in the scheduled collection process, we were instructed to temporarily and securely store the sealed materials on site until pick-up could be completed.

“In response to concerns raised, four containers were brought to the site today and an additional three containers will be on site on Saturday to ensure sealed asbestos abatement bags are properly stored and prepared for prompt removal.”

Concerns were first raised to the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, which reported the matter in a broadcast on Thursday.

The Westend Properties spokesman insisted that the company adhered to “all established protocols” related to handling asbestos found on the worksite.

He added that the Department of Health had conducted “regular monitoring visits” and that an independent asbestos consultant continued to perform air-quality testing.

The spokesman said the results of both indicated that the asbestos remained properly contained.

He said: “We are in close co-ordination with the appropriate departments to expedite collection and will continue to follow all required safety and environmental protocols and remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of our workers and the surrounding community.”

The Department of Health has been contacted for a response.

The hotel is expected to reopen this summer after six years of closure and about two years of construction work.