THEY didn’t have to go far to land a high-profile contract.

Merryhill Envirotec, who are based at Romsey, have the job of removing asbestos from Broadlands House.

Work has already started on the six-figure contract and it is expected to run until the end of June.

It is a vital element of Broadlands’ two-year refurbishment project, which will see the the wiring and heating system replaced.

Merryhill secured the contract against stiff opposition from large national rivals.

Paul Fox, director of business development for Merryhill, explained that, because of the sensitive nature of the building, the firm had to adapt their normal methods. Usually, the team builds a timber and polythene screen on site to enclose the area where the asbestos is being removed.

However, for the Broadlands job, hundreds of individual enclosures have been built offsite at Merryhill’s Budds Lane base.

Mr Fox said the firm had experience in working in stately homes and had carried out several contracts for the National Trust as well as removing asbestos from St James’ Palace.

Mr Fox added: “Broadlands is part of our community and our staff are particularly pleased to be able to play a large part in delivering a first-class remediation solution for Lord Brabourne and his family.”

Merryhill Envirotec provides asbestos removal and surveys nationally, to a wide range of clients including the MoD, HM Prison Service and the Olympic Delivery Authority.