A restaurant has been shut down with immediate effect over reports it could be “unsafe”.

The Village Inn in Bishopbriggs has been forced to close the doors after suspected asbestos was detected at the property.

Now The Village Inn has apologised to customers and said council shut them down “due to potential unsafe building” reports.

Asbestos is a general name given to several naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have crystallised to form fibres. 

Breathing in high concentrations of asbestos for a long period of time mainly affects the lungs, causing a disease called asbestosis where breathing becomes difficult and the heart enlarges.

Asbestosis may take decades to develop and sufferers are at an increased risk of cancer, according to the UK Government.


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The restaurant has now offered to fully refund anyone who had paid a deposit and will provide updates when they can.

Taking to social media the business posted on Facebook: “We have been closed down by the building control at the council due to potential unsafe building suspected asbestos.

“We were closed with immediate effect.

“Pending further building reports we will keep you updated.

“Anyone who has booked and paid a deposit we will fully refund and can only express our sincere apologies but totally outwith our control.

“Thanks The Village Inn.”

Heather Holland, Executive Officer - Land Planning & Development, said, “Earlier this week, East Dunbartonshire Council received a report from an independent surveyor highlighting the potential of asbestos being present within the Village Inn building following damage caused by water ingress.

“The health, safety and welfare of the customers and people working in the building is the Council’s responsibility and following receipt of the report it was advised that the business should close immediately.

“An independent asbestos expert took samples from the building, which have subsequently come back showing that asbestos is not present within the building.

“However, there are still a number of other issues that will require to be resolved prior to the building reopening to the public.

“Council officials are working closely with those responsible for the building with a view to having the property open to the public again as soon as possible.”