Concerns about testing at the former Turner Brothers Asbestos site reiterated

Tests being conducted at former Turner Brothers Asbestos site

Local resident Delwyn Bale has reiterated his concerns about testing at the former Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA) site in the Spodden Valley.

Rochdale Online published Mr Bale's concerns over potential contaminants being washed onto Woodlands Road, due to workmen jet washing themselves off on the road,  last week.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106812/concern-over-tests-being-conducted-at-former-turner-brothers-asbestos-site

Mr Bale has subsequently exchanged emails with the Council's 'TBA Project Team' as the answers to his questions did not assuage his fears. In particular he has pointed out that Woodlands Road is not closed completely during the testing. It's only closed between the hours of 8am and 4pm.

He said: "There is a risk that footwear/overalls will come into contact with any contaminants. Therefore, there is a risk washing boots on Woodlands Road."

The TBA Project told Mr Bale that staff at the site are prepared to meet him to outline the procedures in more detail, however, Mr Bale says as he is no expert he would prefer Hilda Palmer, Coordinator of Greater Manchester Hazards Centre, to attend and has asked if the land owners are open to this.

In reply to Mr Bale's request, the TBA Project said: "The invitation was to yourself as a concerned local resident, however the message has been passed to the landowner representatives and consultants, it will be their decision whether to extend the invitation to wider interest groups."

Mr Bale says he does not believe the Council is doing enough, he said: "In my opinion the council is not doing enough to clear up this legacy. I have no objections with the council paying for brochures, the current air monitoring, etc., but the money has to be spent wisely with meaningful results which will actually lead to the land being made safe.

"The problem I have is that this is really not being done in an open and transparent manner. The fact that the landowners are based offshore and they blatantly lied about contamination in the past so excluding people who have been involved in the past, experts or campaign groups just does not make sense and for sure will lead to more criticism and objections in the future."