Trespassers at the former Turner Brothers Factory

Concerns of trespassing on the former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory site was just one of several issues raised at the latest area forum meeting.

Local residents and the Save Spodden Valley campaign raised concerns about a lack of security allowing people to trespass on site, plus ongoing health and safety concerns.

For well over a decade, Save Spodden Valley has been working to secure a safe future for what was once the site of the world's largest asbestos textile factory, calling for open, safe and transparent decision making.

A spokesperson for the group said: “There is an ongoing issue regarding the lack of effective security that seems to be allowing trespassers on the former asbestos factory site. These trespassers appear to be working in the buildings, creating noises that sound as if they are removing steel beams for scrap.

“We are taking advice on this regarding the health and safety legalities, but if the fabric of the building is being disturbed, then there could be a number of foreseeable risks - inhalation of any accumulated old asbestos production dust, structural dangers by unplanned removal of steel supports, notwithstanding the added dangers of any unplanned ad hoc demolition. There have already been two significant fires on this site that seem to have allowed hundreds of tonnes of asbestos cement roofing to ‘disappear’ in smoke.”

In 2013, a blazing fire tore through the buildings, engulfing all the floors of the three-storey construction. Firefighters spent hours battling to bring the suspected arson under control. Some of the buildings were demolished later that year. 

Twelve months later, the 72-acre site was hit by another fire causing extensive damage to the derelict buildings.

The campaign representative added: “We have always maintained that the 1974 Health & Safety at Work Act should be enforced on this site, for the benefit of anyone on the site and the surrounding general public. It seems perverse that apparently poor security and some local opinion, though possibly unfair, that Rochdale Council is taking a blind eye to these serious issues. Some suggest that vandalism and blight are being used to browbeat local people into accepting some future planning application for houses on the troubled site. 

“Local residents have asked councillors and officers to meet them on the public rights of way that leads through the former Turner Brothers Asbestos complex to Healey Dell Nature Reserve.”

Hilda Palmer, Co-ordinator of the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre (GMHC), commented: “The Greater Manchester Hazards Centre campaigned alongside the local community for a safe solution to the obviously and highly asbestos contaminated site of the old Turner Brothers factory. Frankly, 14 years on, we are appalled and outraged at the lack of action to make the site safe.

“No-one seems to be in control of taking action on this site.  Recent reports of trespassers yet again on site, removing structural components from buildings and putting themselves and others at risk in disturbing asbestos-containing materials, and possibly the integrity of derelict buildings, just highlights the sorry mess this site is in, and the complete and utter lack of control any regulatory authority appears to have over taking action on this undoubtedly contaminated site.”

She added: “It seems clear that the regulations on contaminated land and health and safety, and/or their enforcement are incapable of protecting the health of local people or in holding the owners of the site accountable.

“In 2018, this is an unacceptable state of affairs and one that cannot be allowed to go on. 

“If Rochdale Council lacks the legal powers, and/or the regulatory resources to use them, then this must be made public.  If they do have the legal powers to act, then they must do so urgently to stop this site being a continuing source of risk to public health.” 

Resident Kate Lawrence said: “I have heard them in the factory; it’s an open playground down there at the moment. My concerns were brushed over at the forum, and we were told a council officer had said there were no updates. Nothing about the videos, the maintenance, the lampposts or the bridge, which was really concerning.”

As a result of the goings on, local residents requested a meeting with security to discuss their concerns. However, the owner of the site, and their agent will ultimately decide if this is possible.

Over the past year, the neglected Turner Brothers Asbestos site has been plagued by a number of issues such as fly-tipping of tyres and industrial waste, leaking water pipes, and mysterious noises.

Most recently, a geophysical land survey to determine the exact location of the asbestos was carried out between November 2016 and March 2017, sparking more safety concerns of the bore holes left behind. 

Results of the report, carried out by environmental consultants RSK on behalf of Renshaw, have still not been released.

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111399/no-answers-to-questions-about-former-turner-brothers-asbestos-site

Andrea Fallon, director of public health at Rochdale Council, said: “Residents’ concerns and videos or recordings provided to the council are passed onto the site owners’ representatives. Recently we have forwarded concerns about trespassers, noise, lampposts and the vandalised bridge on Woodland Road.
 
“There is 24-hour security on site. The site owners have conducted fence repairs, signage replacement and have informed the council of general site maintenance work. Most recently a new security barrier was installed and work has been carried out to the site perimeter fence, securing areas to prevent entry to the buildings and securing internal site fencing.
 
“The site owner commissioned a contractor to conduct an intrusive site survey. We understand the site owners have received the survey results from their contractor and they have committed to share the report with us.
 
“The council advises that the public should not enter any derelict site. This site’s representatives have requested that any concerns of trespassers be reported immediately to the security officer on site. Site security should be contacted for immediate action, but residents can continue to report concerns to the council by emailing formertbasite@rochdale.gov.uk or calling 0300 303 8871.”