Asbestos Concerns in Cleckheaton Development

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News Summary

The Westgate development in Cleckheaton is causing anxiety among residents due to the discovery of asbestos in household dust samples. Tests revealed amosite and chrysotile asbestos, leading to fears about health risks associated with the ongoing construction of a new housing project. Despite some reassuring air quality results from Kirklees Council, residents are calling for an independent health investigation as respiratory issues reportedly rise in the community.

Asbestos Concerns Loom Over Cleckheaton Development

The ongoing construction at the Westgate development in Cleckheaton has stirred significant anxiety among local residents, with fears centering around the presence of asbestos. Recent tests have revealed the presence of asbestos in household dust samples, raising questions about the safety of the site and the wellbeing of the community.

Initial Findings Raise Alarms

Earlier this summer, asbestos specialist Acorn detected traces of amosite (brown asbestos) in two dust samples and chrysotile (white asbestos) in three samples taken from homes in proximity to the construction area. These alarming findings prompted residents to voice their concerns, fearing for their health and safety as construction on a new 180-home development began. The presence of asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to serious health issues such as mesothelioma, has understandably provoked a sense of urgency among those living nearby.

Air Quality Testing: A Sigh of Relief?

Responding to the community’s outcry, Kirklees Council conducted independent air quality tests around the construction site. The results of these tests were reassuring for some, indicating that no asbestos fibers were detected in the air. This conclusion suggested that the construction activities were not causing harm to the air quality in the surrounding areas, providing a brief respite for anxious residents.

Despite this good news, the council maintained that hazardous materials in the vicinity require careful management. In light of the initial dust findings, the developer, Strata Homes, was advised to increase dust control measures on-site—a move that will hopefully alleviate some concerns amongst locals.

Regulatory Compliance Under Scrutiny

Strata Homes is continuing its work in full compliance with regulatory standards. The company received planning permission in October 2023 for the housing development, and groundwork has been ongoing since. However, during the planning process, the presence of asbestos contamination was acknowledged, prompting the establishment of a remediation strategy. But residents have become increasingly skeptical, especially after Strata discovered the existence of a former asbestos factory on the site through historical records.

Residents feel misled by the lack of disclosure about the factory’s history, which they argue could have influenced the risk assessment and remediation strategy. Strata has asserted that this lack of prior knowledge was unintentional and would not have changed their approach to remediation.

Rising Health Concerns

As construction progresses, local residents claim there has been a disturbing rise in health-related issues, predominantly concerning respiratory problems. Many have reported needing inhalers and hospital referrals since the construction began, intensifying the urgency for a more thorough investigation into potential health risks associated with the site.

According to advocacy groups like Mesothelioma UK, the presence of asbestos in household dust is unacceptable and raises alarms about possible health implications that could manifest long into the future. Chronic exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, making the ongoing construction all the more pressing for community health advocates.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The community’s response has echoed a strong demand for a halt to construction while an independent public health investigation is conducted. Residents find their voices increasingly united against the ongoing development, calling for stringent testing and assurances regarding their safety before work can continue.

Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has visited the site and found no immediate cause for concern, further complicating the residents’ calls for cessation of construction. The divide between regulatory assessments and community sentiment continues to grow, leaving many caught in the middle as they navigate their fears and concerns surrounding asbestos exposure.

A Historic Struggle

The town of Cleckheaton bears a tragic history when it comes to asbestos-related illnesses, a fact that fuels ongoing resistance from residents who fear a repeat of those grim times. With health concerns intensifying and community distress rising, the fate of the Westgate development hangs in the balance, prompting continuous scrutiny over public health policies in areas with known asbestos contamination.

As discussions evolve, the hope remains for a resolution that prioritises the health and wellbeing of Cleckheaton’s residents, safeguarding against the shadows of the past while looking ahead to a healthier future.