Locals residing near the world’s largest asbestos factory, often compared to Britain’s Chernobyl, express concerns about the decaying structure turning into a hazardous play area for children who swim in a nearby river that may be contaminated.
The Turner Brothers Asbestos factory in Rochdale, known as the largest globally, is viewed as a significant health hazard by the community, labeling it a blight on the environment. Despite assurances to safeguard the town from the adverse effects of coexisting with the factory, progress in addressing the risks has been sluggish.
Adjacent to the 72-acre factory site, a section of the River Spod, dubbed ‘Paradise’ by locals and school kids, raises worries that asbestos remnants from the deteriorating factory could have tainted the area and the water where children swim.
With a history of widespread use in construction, asbestos is associated with severe health issues such as cancer and mesothelioma, with symptoms appearing decades after exposure. A past investigation in Rochdale revealed no asbestos fibers above the detection threshold.
Even so, the site’s owners caution the public against entering due to potential asbestos exposure risks. Mick Coats, a retired safety expert residing near the factory, advocates for enhanced safety measures to protect residents and children.
“We need to address this issue to prevent passing on an environmental disaster to future generations,” mentions Andy Mason, an IT consultant living near the factory with his family. The site’s operations from the 1870s to the late 1990s continue to impact residents, with reports of individuals experiencing breathing difficulties.
Concerns about the factory’s accessibility and the undisclosed dangers it poses, especially to children, have raised alarms within the community. Efforts to repurpose the land into a park have been proposed by residents campaigning for enhanced safety measures at the site.
The council emphasizes resident safety as a top priority and acknowledges the need for collaboration with Spodden Park Ltd, the current site owners, to revitalize the land responsibly.
Spodden Park Ltd asserts ongoing efforts to secure the premises and deter trespassing, highlighting the dangers of disturbing asbestos. Discussions with the council aim to address security challenges and prevent unauthorized access to the site.
The factory holds historical significance as the location of the first documented case of occupational asbestosis, a lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure. Nellie Kershaw, a former worker at Turner Brothers Asbestos, succumbed to health issues attributed to prolonged asbestos exposure, sparking inquiries into worker protection measures.