Hyndburn Homes wasn't me to vacate my flat from 8am to 6pm next Monday.
The flats are having a partial re-roof and new soffits and gutters.
They intend to remove a defunct asbestos flue pipe from the loft during the work.
They say that it will not be possible to remove it skywards through the partially stripped roof, and it will be necessary to construct a tented exit route for it from the loft access in my kitchen cupboard, through the corner of the lounge, down the hall to the only exit door in the stairwell.
This will leave only my bedroom 'unscathed', and will prevent access to the bathroom.
They want me out while it happens - I don't want to go anywhere.
You may already be aware that I call myself a recluse.
You may not be aware why.
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? (MCS)
Too often, on trips out I have suffered an alarming attack resembling asthma.
This is due to encountering airborne petrochemicals - exhaust fumes, perfumes, air fresheners etc etc. I can control my level of exposure in my own home but anyone else's home is likely to have some hazards. Supermarket air is loaded with detergent scents. Many shops use air fresheners. Taxis use 'swinging trees'. Pavements are blasted with vehicle exhaust fumes. Even passing a person laden with deodorant can set me off.
I am a recluse because my healthy survival depends on it, and I have grown to like living this way. It is certainly peaceful.
They want me out for the day. To me, that is like asking me to run a marathon - mission impossible.
I have told them that I will 'camp out' in my bedroom with my antique chamber pot and brewing up facilities and see no reason why they should object to that.
I pointed out to the builders liaison officer that a few years ago the lower part of that flue pipe (in a tall kitchen cupboard) was sawn through at ceiling level and hand balled out without any stringent precautions.
I do appreciate that asbestos is a dangerous substance. I know a fair bit about it because, for 8 years I managed the maintenance of a government building, and had to go through this 'rigmarole' to have an incinerator flue pipe removed from a ladies toilet.
When it comes to 'exposure risk' I have decided that staying put is less hazardous than moving out.
I know that the pipe is undamaged. The two firms that were sent to take samples from it did not report it 'smashed with a hammer', as today's visitor tried to tell me.
I did discuss asbestos safety with those two 'sampling' contractors.
When undamaged the risk is negligible.
Asbestos
"If the asbestos is in good condition can it be left where it is? It may be safer to treat the asbestos rather than remove it. The structure may be made safe by painting it either with an oil based paint or a dilute solution of UPVC glue"
"Don't carry asbestos through your home if you can avoid it."
Before he left I discussed building regulations with the liaison officer.
It transpires that the unplastered internal walls of this flat are likely to be asbestos board, and not plain plasterboard. So whenever I have drilled to insert a plasterboard plug I have been exposed to risk.
It would be expecting too much for them to rehouse me at their expense in a little bungalow.
With my health problem, and at my age, that would be traumatic.
So I will tolerate, nay, even enjoy most of the time, living in a jerry built council cave, as long as I am undisturbed.
Rant over.