Spodden Valley asbestos controversy – the mystery deepens...

Exposed asbestos in the Spodden Valley

For 12 long years, Rochdale Online has reported and investigated important issues regarding asbestos contamination at the former Turner Brothers Asbestos site in the Spodden Valley. 

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?type=News&searchtype=Phrase&Criteria=spodden+valley

Recently, there was a report of a letter, written on Rochdale Borough Council notepaper, giving notice about new ground testing for the former asbestos factory site:

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/104992/ground-investigation-to-be-undertaken-at-former-turner-brothers-asbestos-site

It appears the letters were only delivered to a small number of properties adjoining the blighted 72 acre property.

The mysterious letter, dated 9 September, states it is from 'The TBA Project Team' under the auspices of the Council Director of Public Health and Wellbeing.

An official Council email address is also listed: formerTBAsite@rochdale.gov.uk

It has come to Rochdale Online's attention that some members of the public who received this letter contacted the email address to ask simple questions about what is going on. The answers received back have deepened the mystery. 

• Who is The TBA Project Team?
• Are they Rochdale Council officers?
• When and how was it constituted?
• What is their official remit?
• Who funds them?
• What are the parameters of their responsibilities?
• Who do they report to and liaise with?

Simple questions that deserve a straight answer.

These questions have been met by official obfuscation. The Freedom of Information Act process and timescales have been suggested. Why the reticence to answer simple questions?