WORK to clear debris and remove asbestos from a landmark Bridgwater building has begun.

Contractors have started repair and maintenance are being carried out on the former Bridgwater Hospital site, at Salmon Parade.

They are, initially, removing debris caused by recent trespassers and to make safe loose materials which were in danger of falling outside of the site boundaries.

Work will then continue to access and shore-up deteriorated elements of the buildings, before commencing the removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Somerset Council said none of the main or Listed Buildings are being removed or altered at this time.

It comes as work continues on a multi-million pound project to develop the site into the Somerset Academy for Health and Social Care.

“The project is still in the design work phase and necessary planning permissions still need to be obtained,” the council said.

The Grade II listed former hospital building, which has lain empty since the new facility was built in 2014, will have a new lease of life as a state-of-the-art training centre.

The former Sedgemoor District Council and its partners were successful in obtaining a £19.7m bid from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to develop the site.

“Somerset Council is leading the project through the design and build phase,” a spokesperson added.

“The project will see the main hospital building returned to public use by creating a wholly integrated skills development and learning academy to attract, retain, grow, and upskill our key workers in the health and care sector.”