Campaigners on Derby Road, Widnes, demand asbestos site insurance details

May 27 2010 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

CAMPAIGNERS have demanded to see the insurance details of staff working on an asbestos-contaminated site in Widnes.

North Widnes Residents Association (NWRA) – formerly Derby RA – claims that access to the documents will show the level of asbestos risk workers are exposed to at Marley Eternit.

Green Remediation, the firm contracted to deal with the asbestos contamination, has refused the request because of company policy.

A spokeswoman said the firm only provides insurance details to clients.

Bellway Homes, which is to build 123 homes at the site, has told NWRA that the firm can send a Public Liability Insurance Certificate to the group once it owns and has staff at the site.

Work has started at the former asbestos factory site, which is set to make way for a 123-dwelling housing estate, and commercial and industrial units.

The development was given planning permission in January to the dismay of campaigners who fear asbestos will become airborne during construction, putting health at risk.

NWRA chairman Peter Brewin said the group has extended its remit to general issues and that meetings are attended by up to 40 residents. Members have invited Farnworth’s recently elected Labour councillor Andrew MacManus to their next meeting.

Mr Brewin also wants to know what developers will tell prospective new home buyers about the site’s history.

He said: “We have been trying to find out the insurance details but they haven’t divulged.

“Bellway say they will give us some details once they have bought the land.”

He added: “We’re still hoping the planning permission will be looked at again under judicial review.”