'Answers' to more questions about former Turner Brothers Asbestos site
Date published: 05 October 2016
The Council produced Turner Brothers Asbestos site land quality assessment brochure
Following the open meeting on 22 September in relation to the former Turner Brothers Asbestos site, Rochdale Online put further questions to Rochdale Borough Council - 'answers' have been provided to some questions.
Q: Why does the Council own part of the land within the site?
A: “We are looking into the claim.”
Q: Why is the Council organising so much on behalf of Renshaw Property Ltd?
A “The council appreciates public concern around this site and is committed to finding a sustainable long-term future for it. We have a responsibility to ensure residents living near to the site know about key developments in this process.”
Q: Why has there been a lack of communication, given that this is the TBA Project Team’s aim?
A: “The council’s remit is to facilitate communication between the landowners (Renshaw Properties Ltd.), their representative and residents in relation to the proposed site investigation. The drop-in session was organised so that residents could come and ask questions and learn about the investigatory work being carried out. Letters outlining details of the drop-in session were sent to houses in the area and more than 500 follow-up leaflets were posted. Information was also added to the council’s website.”
Q: Who owns Renshaw Properties Ltd?
A: “Renshaw Properties Limited is a limited company registered off-shore. The council does not hold personal information about its company directors and will not answer media enquiries on its behalf. On that basis, please direct these questions to the company.”
Ownership of the former TBA site remains with a mysterious offshore company based in a tax haven. According to the UK Land Registry for land title GM647719, Renshaw Properties Ltd, based in the British Virgin Islands, took over legal ownership of the site in 2011. Prior holders of the freehold were Hawksford Jersey Ltd (formerly known as Rathbone Jersey Ltd) which acquired the controversial former asbestos factory site in 2004.
Rochdale Online asked for the Council a direct contact within the company, and asked how the Council is communicating with the landowners.
No answers have been received to those questions.
Rochdale Online News Archives
There are over 250 articles dating back to 2005 relating to the former asbestos factory site and the Save Spodden Valley campaign in the Rochdale Online news archives. To read them click the link below:
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