John Prescott discusses asbestos site

Lorna Fitzsimons and John Prescott

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Save Spodden Valley Campaigners saw an opportunity and took it this week, when John Prescott MP visited Rochdale to publicise the newly published Labour manifesto. Mr. Prescott took to the streets of Rochdale with Labour candidate Lorna Fitzsimons, where he stopped to chat with locals, and made a public speech about the forthcoming election.

Amongst the crowd was an enthusiastic Jason Addy from Save Spodden Valley, who has endlessly campaigned against the building of 650 homes on the world’s largest asbestos site. He appeared with fellow campaigners in hope of gaining support from Mr. Prescott, and to show him the importance of the campaign.

Jason managed to speak to Mr. Prescott and get his views on the matter: “I think we managed to get the message across to Mr. Prescott. I’m pleased that he took the time to talk to us and acknowledge the importance of what we’re trying to do. Lorna, who has been helping us from the start, explained to him the ins and outs of what’s been happening, and he was very enthusiastic about backing us up.”

Mr. Prescott said, “I approached this matter with a considerable amount of sympathy. I understand the importance of the issue as asbestos was a real problem in Hull because we built a lot of caravans and that used an awful lot of asbestos. It’s a dreadful, lingering death and it is so graphic. At the end of the day I’m the Chief Planning person and if there are appeals and difficulties you can come to me, and as soon as it does I will bear in mind what I hear.”

Rochdale Labour Candidate Lorna Fitzsimons was supportive of Jason’s aims: “I was really pleased to be able to introduce John to Jason Addy.” She said. “John and I both recognise that the work that Jason and his team have done, wakening up many, many people in the country to the issues around the TBA site.”

Lorna also said that she wanted to “pay a tribute” to Save Spodden Valley campaigners, and that they are “genuine people who want to achieve safety in the place that they live.”

One young person from Save Spodden Valley had written to Mr. Prescott about the Turners Site which was given to him in Rochdale. He said, “It’s wonderful to get letters from children who feel that they’ve got to get out there and voice their opinions. And it shows how young people can get involved in the community and have a say.”