AN overgrown former gas works site last used more than 50 years ago could undergo environmental work to help bring it back into use.

The National Grid has applied to remove contaminated soil, including asbestos, from the Swan Road Gasworks site 100 metres south of Lydney town centre.

The gas works buildings, last used in 1957, have all been demolished leaving the secure site vacant.

Asbestos and benzoapyerene have been detected in the soil and need to be safely dealt with if the land is to be brought back into commercial use, says a report to Forest planners.

The environmental works would include removing and safely disposing of shallow soils and capping lower layers with gravel.

Prior to engineering works starting, the vegetation will need clearing and asbestos on the surface removing. Five boreholes will also need to be decommissioned.

The report adds: “The works are being undertaken by the National Grid... to facilitate the clean-up of numerous vacant sites within its portfolio to address the historical legacy of gas production.”