Top Japanese cancer specialist visits T&N site

Dr Natori Yuji signs the visitors book at the town hall in front of Mayor Councillor Robin Parker.

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A top Japanese asbestos scientist, while on a whistle stop tour of Europe, made an impromptu trip to Rochdale earlier today.

Dr Natori Yuji was meeting mesothelioma cancer specialists in Manchester but when he heard how close he was to Rochdale he insisted on a visit to the former T&N factory.

The former Turner and Newall factory in Spoden Valley was the largest asbestos factory in the world until its closure in 1994.

And even today it is believed that contaminated rubble, asbestos dumps and buildings containing asbestos still litter the 72-acre site.

Dr Yuji told Rochdale Online that the former site of the factory site was a ‘world famous example of asbestos exposure’.

Dr Yuji then visited the memorial to asbestos victims and that of former Councillor Abdul Chowdry in the Memorial Gardens opposite the Town Hall.

Rochdale Councillor Ibrar Khan was at the memorial to meet Dr Yuji. He said: "I am delighted to see international asbestos cancer experts coming to Rochdale because we need all the knowledge and advice available to help sufferers in our Borough.

"Only by increasing the public's understanding of the dangers of asbestos exposure can we make sure that the same mistakes are not repeated and protect the health of future generations in Rochdale."

Councillor Chowdry used to work for T&N as a safety inspector - and spoke out against the dangers of asbestos contamination of the former T&N factory site - but was tragically killed in a car crash last year.

The Mayor, Councillor Robin Parker, then met with Dr Yuji and gave him a quick tour around the town hall.