Political controversy in Wear Valley asbestos case

Published on 28 Apr 2008

A row between opposing political parties in Wear Valley has delayed the findings of a report into serious breaches of asbestos regulations at a council-run leisure centre, reports The Northern Echo.

Wear Valley Council was fined £18,000 for breaching regulations after council members failed to act on a report that highlighted the presence of asbestos. Work continued in the affected area for five years with no protective measures in place. A lengthy investigation began, but now the results are ready to be published four members of the council have refused to signoff the report, and each side is blaming the other for the delay.

Tommy Taylor, leader of the Lib Dem group, said:

"I have been told that the two Independents and the two Lib Dems on the panel were asked to tick a box, granting the Labour members more time to consider legal advice.

"According to what the Labour group are saying, our members have refused to sign the report off.

"But that is not what they were asked."

Meanwhile Labour member Neil stonehouse said:

"I want a quick end to this and I want the report out."

"I am worried that people are trying to turn this into a political issue. This report is about fact-finding - it is not about apportioning blame. It is nothing to do with yah boo - we were right and you were wrong.

In the meantime those who worked at the centre have been left in the dark as to the findings of the report.

Robert Batie, a former maintenance worker at the leisure centre said:

"This comes as a real shock - if the report is ready it should be published straightaway.

"We need to find out who was responsible for what happened because these people might have moved on to other jobs at other councils. What is to stop them doing the same thing again?"