HOW MUCH LONGER CAN THEY DRAG THIS OUT?

In its hey day Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA) was the largest asbestos factory in the world which employed thousands of Rochdalians. Empty and derelict since the late 1990’s. Liberal Democrats Paul Rowen and Elwin Watkins made public in 2005 that the site is contaminated with asbestos.

Three developers have since 2000 bought the site and promised action, but nothing has been done!

Liberal Democrats believe it unlikely that any private developer has the funds to clean up and make safe the site. We have therefore asked Rochdale’s MP Paul Waugh to lobby the Labour Government to provide funds through Homes England to allow the Council to compulsory purchase and clean up the site.

Spotland and Falinge campaigner, Rabina Asghar, stated that “We have again asked the Labour Council to develop most of the site as an extension to Healey Dell once the asbestos dumped there is made safe and capped. Futhermore the Council should demolish the factory and discuss with residents the future use of that part of the site.”

Healey campaigner, Andy Lord, added “The TBA site is part of Rochdale’s industrial heritage and must be made safe for future generations. However this will only happen with government support. We’ve been waiting too long, it’s time for action!”