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Postal union threat to Turner’s site plan
Michael Byrne28/ 6/2005
ONE of the country's strongest unions is considering taking action that could hit any development of the old Turner's site.
The Communications Workers Union, whose members instal and maintain telephones and deliver mail, say they could boycott the development if there was any threat of asbestos.
Countryside Properties wants to build more than 600 homes on land that once housed Europe's biggest asbestos factory.
Its planning application has been put on hold by Rochdale Council until more is known about possible soil contamination through the dumping of asbestos by Turner's.
Now, Dave Joyce, CWU's national health and safety officer, warned: "The proposals are still at a very early stage, but if our members believe their health could be in danger we would have to seriously consider not going onto the site.
"We would have to see reports from an independent expert to show that the site could be developed safely.
"We've expressed our very serious concerns to ministers and local politicians because if the development proceeded, postal and telecommunications workers would be required to work there before and after construction.
"Our members would have to instal and maintain telecommunications equipment, including underground services and Royal Mail engineers would have to instal, remove and repair mail boxes which would require penetrating the soil.
"Postmen and women would also have to make deliveries and collections in the area.
"If the site isn't a threat to people's health then that would be a different kettle of fish, but we would have to be convinced."
Jason Addy, from the residents' group Save Spodden Valley, said: "The CWU's views shows how seriously everyone is taking this issue. We're very pleased that an organisation of this size has become involved."
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen voiced local residents' fears in a House of Commons debate yesterday. He said: "We need a clear definition about what is a safe development with regard to asbestos.
"With this debate I will have 15 minutes to speak about people's views and make ministers aware how worried people are."
An MMC/Countryside Properties spokesman said that a remediation strategy to tackle contamination was a prerequisite of any future planning consent from Rochdale Council. This strategy would also have to be approved by all the regulatory bodies concerned.
"No development or associated works, such as underground communications services, would take place without this consent and approval in order to safeguard public health, which is of pararmount importance.
"We welcome the debate in the House of Commons."
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29/06/2005 at 22:57
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