The site of what was once the world’s largest asbestos factory should be covered with soil and turned into a wildlife sanctuary, according to a leading councillor. Last year ESG Trading Limited bought the old Turner Brothers Asbestos site, in Rochdale, with a view to cleaning it up and selling it on for a ‘mixed use’ scheme - potentially including housing.
The 75-acre site, off Spod Road, in the Spotland area of the town, has a long history of industrial use, including the manufacture of asbestos, dating back to the 19th century. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and a rare cancer called mesothelioma.
Castleford-based ESG has assured locals it only plans to remediate the site - including a ‘nice green park’ - before submitting outline proposals to the council. The site would then likely be sold on to a developer that would bring forward detailed proposals at some point in the future.
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