One of the North West’s Conservative MEPs, Den Dover joined conservative Rochdale councillors to visit the Turners site last weekend. Save Spodden Valley campaigners showed the group some areas of the former asbestos factory that have caused controversy at the recent council meeting of Rochdale Township:

Mr Dover viewed the large piles of crushed asbestos factory rubble on site where traces of asbestos have been confirmed by the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE). At the recent Township meeting, councillors of all parties complained they still haven’t received satisfactory answers from those responsible for the 72 acre former asbestos factory site.

Leader of Rochdale Conservatives, Cllr. Ian Duckworth, told the MEP that he worked as an apprentice painter for a short time at the Turner’s asbestos factory. Cllr Duckworth shared his personal experience of working inside the factory, in the late 1960’s, when many of the surfaces and steel beams that he painted had to first have thick layers of asbestos dust removed from them.

Cllr. Ann Metcalfe, who holds the Environment portfolio for Rochdale Council explained to the North West MEP the role of Councillors, from all political groups, in TBA Working Party that is investigating the health and safety issues health relating to the former asbestos factory site.

Cllr. Metcalfe also explained how the Spodden Valley formed an important ‘Green Space Corridor’ for both wildlife and public amenity for all the surrounding communities. It was also explained how the Rochdale Council’s Unitary Development Plan, in its blueprint for the future of the valley, describes an opportunity for the River Spodden together with its adjoining woodlands and green spaces to be joined together from Spotland Bridge to Healey Dell and the Pennine Moors. Parts of the Spodden Valley already have bridleways and cycle paths that form a national network for recreation and ‘green’ transport.

Save Spodden Valley campaign coordinator, Jason Addy welcomed the visit by the North West conservative MEP and the conservative councillors:

“This is yet further proof that the important issues of heath, asbestos and the environment transcend party politics. All parties appear committed to work together to ensure a positive and permanent solution to the Turners site. After the past damage that has been caused by asbestos- the future generations of Rochdale deserve nothing less.”