Asbestos Safety Violations in Altrincham Investigated

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News Summary

In Altrincham, alarming incidents of asbestos mishandling surfaced as workers were caught illegally dumping asbestos debris. An investigation revealed serious safety risks, leading to legal actions against the roofing contractor involved. The community reacts to the potential dangers and highlights the urgent need for professional asbestos removal amid ongoing redevelopment challenges in Bowden.

Serious Asbestos Violations in Altrincham Spark Alarm

In a shocking incident reminiscent of a scene from a horror movie, two workers were caught on doorbell-cam footage unlawfully dumping asbestos debris into domestic waste bins in Altrincham. The culprits were employed by a local roofing contractor, drawing attention to the ongoing risks associated with asbestos when not handled or disposed of correctly.

Investigation Launched Following Local Concerns

The incident took place during the replacement of asbestos cement roof sheets on three garages located off Green Walk in Bowden, Altrincham, back in February 2022. Following a resident’s fears about debris cascading into their garden, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) promptly launched an investigation. Their analysis later revealed the presence of chrysotile asbestos, a known carcinogen, raising alarms about public safety.

Contaminated Grounds and Personal Belongings

During the investigation, HSE inspectors discovered a disturbing sight: ripped bags of asbestos waste carelessly stored in an area accessible to the public. This reckless disposal not only contaminated the ground but also posed risks to nearby undergrowth and surrounding homes. Alarmingly, personal belongings stored in the garages by residents were found to be contaminated as well, illustrating a complete disregard for safety protocols.

Legal Consequences and Community Response

The contractor, Stephen Wilks, who trades as S Wilks Roofing, was brought to justice for breaching asbestos safety regulations. Wilks faced charges under Regulation 11(1) and Regulation 16 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which mandates that proper planning and precautions must be taken to prevent exposure to asbestos during non-licensed work. He ultimately received a 12-month community order, was mandated to complete 200 hours of unpaid labor, and was ordered to pay £3,582.13 in costs at the Ashton-Under-Lyne Magistrates Court on March 28, 2025.

urgency of Professional Asbestos Removal

In the wake of this alarming incident, the property management company took immediate action and hired a licensed asbestos removal contractor to safely remove the hazardous waste and clean affected areas. HSE Inspector Phil Redman underscored the serious nature of this incident, reiterating the importance of stringent controls when dealing with asbestos-containing materials. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for proper training, disposal methods, and adherence to safety regulations when handling asbestos.

Bowden Faces Its Own Asbestos Challenges

Meanwhile, Bowden is grappling with its own set of asbestos-related issues amid plans for community growth and redevelopment. Developer Kyle McCowan of Okotoks has put forth a revised proposal to transform the former Lions Hall into apartment buildings. Initially met with a mixed response over factors like density, crime, and parking, the proposal has now been adjusted, reducing the number of apartments and altering parking requirements.

Redevelopment Dilemmas

As the town seeks revitalization, concerns were raised about the old Bowden Hotel, particularly in regard to its asbestos content and other structural challenges. Discussions around demolishing the hotel have surfaced; however, the costs tied to asbestos removal pose a heavy burden. The investment in rehabilitation is preferred over potentially ending up with yet another vacant lot, leading the town council to consider various housing developments, particularly those aimed at serving lower-income residents.

Bowing to Cleanup Initiatives

In another significant step, tenders for cleaning up the Bowden Hotel site are set to be released in May, with anticipated cleanup activities commencing by June or July. This initiative strives for completion by summer’s end, providing a renewed sense of hope for the community. The property, which has a long history since its opening in 1904 but has remained abandoned since 2015, will eventually be offered to the Town of Bowden at fair market value following the reclamation project.

As Bowden navigates through these pressing issues, it sheds light on the broader consequences of improper asbestos management, making it clear just how serious the situation is for all involved. The community stands at a critical juncture, with the potential for both growth and remediation hanging in the balance.