Locals residing near the world’s largest asbestos factory, often referred to as Britain’s equivalent of Chernobyl, are expressing concerns about the deteriorating structure becoming a hazardous playground for children who swim in a nearby river that may be contaminated.
The Turner Brothers Asbestos factory in Rochdale holds the title of the largest asbestos production facility globally, but it is viewed as a significant health threat to the community, with residents labeling it as a blight on the environment. Despite assurances to shield the town from the adverse effects of coexisting with the factory, progress in addressing the risks has been notably sluggish.
Adjacent to the 72-acre factory site, a weir on the River Spod has been dubbed ‘Paradise’ by local schoolchildren and residents. However, there are apprehensions that asbestos remnants from the dilapidated factory have not only tainted the surroundings but also polluted the waters where children swim.
Asbestos, once widely utilized in construction, has been associated with severe health issues, including cancer and mesothelioma, with symptoms potentially manifesting 20 to 60 years after exposure. A decade-old investigation by the Rochdale council indicated no asbestos fibres above the detection threshold of 0.01f/ml.
Nevertheless, the site’s proprietors have urged the public to refrain from entering the premises due to the risk of asbestos exposure. Mick Coats, a retired health and safety expert residing near the factory for over three decades, has been advocating for enhanced safety measures to safeguard residents and children.
“I am cautious when traversing the site due to the potential hazards,” Coats stated. “Children swimming in the River Spod are putting themselves in grave danger. If there were unexploded ordnance or hazardous chemicals present, the council would be compelled to intervene.”
Proposals have been put forth to clear the structures on the property, lay down clay to encapsulate any potential asbestos, and potentially transform the area into a country park. Two decades following the closure of the Rochdale plant, local activists continue to lobby for heightened security measures at the factory, which previously employed 4,000 individuals.
Andy Mason, an IT consultant, along with his partner Vickie and their four children, residing next to the factory, overlook the deteriorating laboratory testing buildings. Andy likened the situation to a contemporary Chernobyl, emphasizing the urgency to rectify the environmental hazards to prevent intergenerational legacies of disaster.
Established in the 1870s, the Turner Brothers Asbestos site operated until the late 1990s, with former employees still grappling with the consequences of their work there. Some individuals recount acquaintances who struggle with respiratory issues, attributing their conditions to the factory’s operations.
Conor Hart, a local resident living near the factory gate, highlighted the debilitating effects observed among former employees and expressed astonishment at the ease of access to the site, especially for children unaware of the lurking dangers.
Council representatives reiterated the paramount importance of resident safety and well-being, emphasizing collaboration with the current site owners, Spodden Park Ltd, to explore revitalization options for the land.
Spodden Park Ltd has taken steps to fortify the perimeter, conduct regular site checks to monitor trespassing activities, and engage with authorities to tackle security breaches. The company underscored the risks associated with asbestos exposure and reiterated the imperative of avoiding site entry to prevent disturbances that could endanger trespassers.
The factory also holds historical significance as the location where the first documented case of occupational asbestosis occurred, leading to the tragic death of Nellie Kershaw in 1924. Her exposure to asbestos while working at Turner Brothers Asbestos resulted in severe health complications, highlighting the long-lasting repercussions of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
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