NOTE: VIEW photographs from the first anniversary of the destruction
of woodlands in the Spodden Valley HERE.

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29th April 2005

'International Asbestos Victims’ Memorial pledged'

Two of Rochdale’s General Election Candidates Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour) and
Paul Rowen (Lib Dem) have both supported calls for a permanent memorial to all
those who have suffered as a result of asbestos exposure. The pledge was made as
dozens of people attended a candlelit vigil outside Rochdale Town Hall last night to
commemorate International Workers' Memorial Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rochdale was the birthplace of the world’s modern asbestos industry.

Short poems and talks were given together with a minute’s silence to remember all
who have suffered from asbestos exposure. At least 5000 people in the UK and
100,000 people worldwide die each year of asbestos related disease.

Rochdale was a poignant setting for this year’s Workers Memorial Day because until
1948 the town was home to the headquarters of the world’s largest asbestos
company-Turner & Newall (T&N). Decisions made from the Rochdale offices of T&N
have affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

The world’s first acknowledged victim of asbestosis was a Rochdale T&N asbestos
spinner called Nellie Kershaw. She died in 1924.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nellie Kershaw, the first Asbestosis victim in 1924

 

Countless people have since died as asbestos related illnesses, in Rochdale,
Britain and worldwide. People are dying today. The peak deaths are not expected
until next decade.


Jason Addy, co-ordinator of Save Spodden Valley campaign group, compared
similarities from how the asbestos company operated and how the site’s potential
redevelopment for over 600 homes and a children’s nursery have been promoted:


“Wherever there is asbestos –there appears to be huge profits. But at what cost?

The story of asbestos appears to be one of denial, aggressive tactics and avoidance
of responsibility. This still seems true in 2005.”

In 1924, when indisputable medical evidence was presented to the asbestos company
the directors replied with ‘media spin’ about what a wonderful company they were and
how they received government praise. Does this sound familiar in 2005?

In 1924, the asbestos company aggressively denied liability. They wrote:
“We repudiate the term ‘asbestos poisoning’. Asbestos is not poisonous and no
definition or knowledge of such a disease exists”.
Could such ‘weasel words’ to avoid liability for potentially dangerous activity be
used in 2005?

As she became ill in late 1922, Nellie Kershaw pleaded with her employer to allow a
payment of sickness benefit.
She wrote:
“I have been at home 9 weeks now and have not received a penny… I am needing
nourishments”.

The company never paid a penny.

At the inquest in 1924, the works manager testified that the factory produced little dust.

The company rebuffed the widower’s request even for modest funeral expenses.
A memo from one of the firm’s managers advised that doing so “would create a precedent”.

Nellie Kershaw lies in an unmarked ‘paupers’ grave in Rochdale cemetery.
She died aged 33- a mother to 2 children.

On Workers Memorial Day 2005, we ask that a simple stone be placed in Rochdale’s
memorial garden to remember all the victims of asbestos disease.

We also plead that the site of what was the world’s first, then largest asbestos textile
factory be treated with the utmost respect. Countless people have died because of the
decisions and products made in the Spodden Valley. To disturb parts of the site may
release decades-old asbestos dust into the air. Irresponsible development of the site
could affect future generations of Rochdalians.

Many say: Let the soil rest in peace. Like Nelly Kershaw and all those who died after
her and those who are still suffering from the effects of asbestos today.

We ask all those with responsibilities for the Spodden Valley site to:

-Remember the victims of asbestos related disease
-Please respect our environment and wildlife habitats
-Ensure there is public access to all the facts and decisions
-Involve the whole community in its future
-Keep the people of Rochdale safe, now and for the generations to come."

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STATEMENT ENDS.

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