A wrecking company has arrived in Bermuda to begin removing asbestos from the doomed Club Med.

Works Minister Derrick Burgess yesterday said D.H. Griffin, of North Carolina, had won the contract for the job ahead of the ten-storey building's implosion this summer.

Mr. Burgess also told the House of Assembly fears over health and safety risks associated with the demolition were unfounded.

He said T.H.P. of Ohio would conduct engineering surveys of the structure to ensure it is imploded safely.

"I wish to take this opportunity to dispel the reported concerns of East End residents with respect the planned implosion of the building," said the Minister.

"Of course, public safety is of paramount importance to the Government. Consequently, there will be close consultation with the people of St. George's, including their Parliamentary representatives and the Corporation of St. George, as the implosion date approaches.

"Residents will be apprised of measures that will ensure their personal safety, the safety of their homes and grounds. In fact, protection of homes, other buildings and fortifications is a major priority for D.H. Griffin whose representatives, along with representatives of the Ministry of Works and Engineering, will visit each household in the Club Med area before implosion occurs."

He added: "I wish to reiterate that all asbestos-containing material will be removed from the site before implosion occurs and local contractors will be used to remove the debris and rubble as soon as it has been deemed safe to do so.

"The asbestos will be taken to the Government quarry for storage in conditions approved by the Ministry of Health."

Government is committed to handing over a clean site to developer Bazarian International on December 31, 2008, ahead of the creation of a multi-million dollar Park Hyatt hotel, residence complex and golf course.

The move will finally end a deadlock on the derelict facility which has been a source of frustration for St. George's residents since Club Med closed in 1988.