ROCHDALE TOWNSHIP MEETING. 25th May 2005

25th May 2005

Questions submitted:

Su Wilson, Spotland:
In a recent granted request for an emergency road closure the landowners have
cited public safety. Whilst local residents want and need to be protected – the
reasons given appear to be at odds with the site’s recent history:

The road wasn’t closed when the following events occurred:

-When soil was disturbed by heavy machinery when hundreds of trees were
felled beside Woodlands Rd and their roots ripped out on May 15th 16th 2004.

-The road wasn’t closed when fibrous waste was seen hanging in tree roots
next to the old Harridge Mill site in May 2004.

-The road wasn’t closed when this fibrous waste was confirmed as Amosite
(brown asbestos) by an independent laboratory in September 2004.

-The road wasn’t closed when there was a 6-week asbestos decontamination
of the Woodlands Rd area in February-March 2005.

-The road wasn’t closed when heavy machinery dug holes on the asbestos
factory site or removed crushed asbestos factory rubble throughout late 2004
and up to Sunday 15th May 2005?

What difference was there between the evidence of threats to public health
made by the land owner in order to secure an Emergency Road Notice to that
of the evidence presented by local people about activity on the site over the
past 12 months?

Dave Phillips, Spotland:
The southern end of Woodland's Road (Rooley Moor Road) is blocked by 8ft
steel barriers welded together. However the northern end (Dell Road) has been
left open. This open roadway is within 20 metres of confirmed areas of exposed
asbestos (as confirmed by an employee of the land owner).

What is the view of the various council departments and agencies with
responsibilities for this matter (especially the Highway Department and the
Planning and Regulation Department)?


Jason Addy, Spotland:
Given the publicised multi-agency involvement in certain local matters, what
consultation was made PRIOR TO the decision to effect an Emergency Road
Notice with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Environment Agency,
the Director of Public Health and local councillors, especially the Councillors
who form the TBA Working Party who are investigating health and safety
issues for this site?

What provision can be made to ensure there is thorough and continuous
public safety and public scrutiny of this site?

Nigel Morrell, Norden:
A letter has just been made public:
It is dated 10th September 2004 and appears to be written by an employee of
MMC Estates. It is addressed to the managing Director of MMC Estates.
The letter describes an annual asbestos audit that had been conducted. The
letter confirms the presence of exposed asbestos on land beside
Woodlands Road. The final paragraph reads:

“Could you please advise if MMC are going to report the finding to RMBC as
part of the site wide project or do you require me to obtain quotation for this
work as a stand alone project”.

This letter is dated 9 months before an Emergency Notice closed Woodlands Rd
on public health grounds.

Was RMBC notified by MMC Estates of the findings described in the September
2004 letter?

Al Somerville, Spotland:
I am registered disabled. Whilst I have no objection with closing Woodlands Rd
for a short period on the strict grounds of protecting public health, I have
discovered serious problems with the Walking Diversion posted on the Emergency
Closure Notice:

The map instructs me to go up the well maintained tarmac road up to the
Bowling Green and then right onto Hollows Lane.

Unfortunately there is a 3 metre steel fence blocking my path.
This route was diverted following an RMBC Public Inquiry about 10 years ago.
The alternative route that was created at that time (behind the bowling green)
has not been maintained.

I believe that this path cannot be used by disabled people in its current state
and as such may be a breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.

What powers do the Council have to ensure that this Walking Diversion
footway can be used by all, safely?

...............................................................................................................................................................

STATEMENT ENDS.

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