Simon Danczuk secures meeting with government minister over Turner Brothers Asbestos site

2013 WSP asbestos test results for UU

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has secured a meeting with a government minister to discuss the toxic legacy of the former Turner Brothers Asbestos works.

Earlier this year, Mr Danczuk wrote to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs raising safety concerns about the site.

Both Mr Danczuk and Rochdale Council Leader Richard Farnell have contacted Defra requesting financial assistance to decontaminate the area which was once home to the world's largest asbestos factory.

In response, Defra Minister Rory Stewart has offered to meet both men to discuss the matter further.

Mr Danczuk said: “Money is tight across all government departments at the moment, and Defra has previously argued it cannot fund any clean-up operation.

“But I will do all I can to make the case for the funding we need to make this site safe once and for all.”

Councillor Farnell said: “The status of the former Turner Brothers site is a serious and ongoing concern for the council and I believe this meeting is long overdue.

“It is vital we finally deal with the asbestos legacy associated with the site and give Rochdale residents peace of mind.”

Jason Addy, Co-ordinator of the Save Spodden Valley campaign, said: "For whatever reason in the past, Rochdale Council has been reluctant to consider a 'community Plan B' to transform the derelict Turner Bros Asbestos site into a safe 'green lung' added to Healey Dell Nature Reserve.

"Perhaps Simon Danczuk's meeting with the minister is an opportunity to put the case that this site is of international importance and needs to be treated with the utmost respect.
Too many people have been killed as a result of products and decisions once made there. Countless people have paid the ultimate price - with their lives- because of the deadly mineral that is buried throughout that site. Demolish what buildings remain carefully then permanently seal it. The land, like its cancer victims, must rest in peace."