Evesham Journal 13th December 2007 reported that the boss of a Worcestershire company which illegally dumped 23 loads of waste on land at a farm without permission has been jailed for 18 months.
John Bruce had pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to the unauthorised deposit of controlled waste at a farm in Ryton, near Coventry, without a waste management licence. Bruce, aged 35, of Upper Walcote Farm, Walcote Lane, Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, had also admitted failing to comply with an order disqualifying him from managing a company.
Prosecutor Barry Berlin said that in 2005, Bruce was running two companies, including one called UK Plant 2002 Ltd, and entered into an agreement with Leominster Demolition Ltd to dispose of waste soil and spoil from a site.
In August, 2005, Stephen Postlethwaite, the owner of Ryton Fields Farm, Ryton, saw UK Plant lorries tipping loads of soil on his land - which he had not given permission for. When he challenged one of the drivers as more loads were dumped the following month, the driver called Bruce, who claimed he had been given authority by someone called Robert Cooper.
Based on a fee of £6 to £8 a tonne to have dumped it at an authorised site, the illegal operation had saved Bruce's companies around £3,000.
When Bruce was questioned about his illegal activity he claimed he had been tipped off by Cooper about the site and been told he could tip there no problem.' Mr Berlin said Bruce had been fined £5,000 in 1999 for dumping contaminated waste which included asbestos. And in 2002 he was required to give an undertaking not to deposit waste on land known as Badger Hill - but breached that and was jailed for six months. Of Bruce's latest offences, his barrister Tim Green commented: "The site where it was being deposited was not an area of natural beauty. It was already being used or had been used for the depositing of waste."
He pointed out that the waste being deposited was not hazardous, and said that Cooper did exist.
http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/ejnewslatest/display.var.1901725.0.boss_jailed_for_dumping_waste_on_land_without_permission.php
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
CANCER VICTIM WINS DRUG BATTLE
The Plymouth Herald reported on 14th December 2007 that a former dockyard worker with terminal asbestos-related lung cancer has won his fight to receive NHS funding for a life-extending drug.
Victor Lamb and his family said it was a "bittersweet victory", as many other mesothelioma sufferers still had to battle for Alimta - the only licensed treatment for the disease. The drug is available on the NHS in Scotland, but local health authorities in England decide which patients receive it because national guidelines on its use have still not been finalised.
Victor, from Whitsand Bay, faced spending more than £12,000 of his own life savings on the chemotherapy drug, which doctors say offers the best chance of living to see his daughter's wedding in February. The 66-year-old was yesterday told of the local health authority's decision - more than four months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Plymouth has been identified as the UK's fourth-largest 'hotspot' for asbestos-related deaths due to its past use at Devonport Dockyard in ships and buildings. Plymouth campaigner Jackie Lowe, who is raising awareness of mesothelioma following the death of her father Roger Lowe from the disease in 2005, said it was "barbaric" that families are bein g forced to fight for treatment."It is great news for Victor, but they should not have had to fight for it in the first place. Nobody should have to battle like that because they have loved ones with a terminal illness. Alimta is the only licensed treatment for mesothelioma - it's barbaric that it's limited."
Since Victor was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July, the tumour has spread rapidly through his lungs and into his spine and ribs.
Victor worked as an apprentice carpenter at Devonport Dockyard between the ages of 15 and 20 before leaving to work as a self-employed builder around the city. He received £12,000 in compensation from the Ministry of Defence in 2004 after developing pleural plaque - scars on the lungs usually caused by exposure to asbestos. He said this meant he was not eligible for any further compensation payments.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is in the process of reviewing Pemetrexed (Alimta) and final guidance is awaited.
To read the full report please click on the following link:
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=181429&command=displayContent&sourceNode=229968&home=yes&more_nodeId1=133174&contentPK=19258929
Victor Lamb and his family said it was a "bittersweet victory", as many other mesothelioma sufferers still had to battle for Alimta - the only licensed treatment for the disease. The drug is available on the NHS in Scotland, but local health authorities in England decide which patients receive it because national guidelines on its use have still not been finalised.
Victor, from Whitsand Bay, faced spending more than £12,000 of his own life savings on the chemotherapy drug, which doctors say offers the best chance of living to see his daughter's wedding in February. The 66-year-old was yesterday told of the local health authority's decision - more than four months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Plymouth has been identified as the UK's fourth-largest 'hotspot' for asbestos-related deaths due to its past use at Devonport Dockyard in ships and buildings. Plymouth campaigner Jackie Lowe, who is raising awareness of mesothelioma following the death of her father Roger Lowe from the disease in 2005, said it was "barbaric" that families are bein g forced to fight for treatment."It is great news for Victor, but they should not have had to fight for it in the first place. Nobody should have to battle like that because they have loved ones with a terminal illness. Alimta is the only licensed treatment for mesothelioma - it's barbaric that it's limited."
Since Victor was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July, the tumour has spread rapidly through his lungs and into his spine and ribs.
Victor worked as an apprentice carpenter at Devonport Dockyard between the ages of 15 and 20 before leaving to work as a self-employed builder around the city. He received £12,000 in compensation from the Ministry of Defence in 2004 after developing pleural plaque - scars on the lungs usually caused by exposure to asbestos. He said this meant he was not eligible for any further compensation payments.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is in the process of reviewing Pemetrexed (Alimta) and final guidance is awaited.
To read the full report please click on the following link:
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=181429&command=displayContent&sourceNode=229968&home=yes&more_nodeId1=133174&contentPK=19258929
Victoria Station Upgrade
On 31st December 2007, the Mayor of London released the following announcement:
To prepare for the Victoria Station upgrade, which will increase the size of the station by around 50 per cent, essential work to remove asbestos from above escalators in the Victoria line ticket hall will be carried out between Saturday 22 December 2007 and Sunday 6 January 2008, a period when the station has fewer passengers.
Victoria line trains will not stop at the station during this period, but customers will still be able to use the District and Circle line services to and from Victoria Underground station, and Victoria National Rail station services will not be affected.
A Rail Replacement shuttle bus service will run between Victoria and Pimlico stations so that passengers can get on the Victoria line to travel north or south. More information available at: www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/6234.aspx
To prepare for the Victoria Station upgrade, which will increase the size of the station by around 50 per cent, essential work to remove asbestos from above escalators in the Victoria line ticket hall will be carried out between Saturday 22 December 2007 and Sunday 6 January 2008, a period when the station has fewer passengers.
Victoria line trains will not stop at the station during this period, but customers will still be able to use the District and Circle line services to and from Victoria Underground station, and Victoria National Rail station services will not be affected.
A Rail Replacement shuttle bus service will run between Victoria and Pimlico stations so that passengers can get on the Victoria line to travel north or south. More information available at: www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/6234.aspx
City’s £32m leisure centre ready to open early next year
ICWales.co.uk reported on the 20th December 2007 that building work on a £32m leisure centre in Swansea will finish this month.
The new-look leisure centre – branded the "LC" – features a spectacular lazy river water ride and Britain’s first indoor surfing centre.
The original leisure centre which stands at the main eastern entrance to the city was opened by the Queen in 1977 and became a popular Swansea attraction, used by 800,000 people a year.
But people in the city were stunned in November 2003 when the popular attraction was suddenly shut down. Councillors were told it would need £14m of repairs.
A report by surveyors said both white and the more dangerous brown asbestos were present in the building, both of which are now banned in the UK as breathing in fibres can lead to asbestosis. The report added that experts warned the ventilation system "may be blowing irborne asbestos fibres into the swimming pool area".
The electrics in the old building were seen as so hazardous that consultants described "a permanent risk of fire and/or electric shock on site".
The dramatic closure of the leisure centre was followed months later by Swansea Council’s ruling Labour Party being ousted from power in the city for the first time in 25 years.
The Lib-Dem led coalition which took over voted to rebuild the centre rather than demolish it.
It is now due to open in late February early March.
The LC is owned by Swansea Council and will be operated by a not for profit organisation, Bay Leisure Ltd.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2007/12/20/city-s-32m-leisure-centre-ready-to-open-earlynextyear-91466-20271566/
The new-look leisure centre – branded the "LC" – features a spectacular lazy river water ride and Britain’s first indoor surfing centre.
The original leisure centre which stands at the main eastern entrance to the city was opened by the Queen in 1977 and became a popular Swansea attraction, used by 800,000 people a year.
But people in the city were stunned in November 2003 when the popular attraction was suddenly shut down. Councillors were told it would need £14m of repairs.
A report by surveyors said both white and the more dangerous brown asbestos were present in the building, both of which are now banned in the UK as breathing in fibres can lead to asbestosis. The report added that experts warned the ventilation system "may be blowing irborne asbestos fibres into the swimming pool area".
The electrics in the old building were seen as so hazardous that consultants described "a permanent risk of fire and/or electric shock on site".
The dramatic closure of the leisure centre was followed months later by Swansea Council’s ruling Labour Party being ousted from power in the city for the first time in 25 years.
The Lib-Dem led coalition which took over voted to rebuild the centre rather than demolish it.
It is now due to open in late February early March.
The LC is owned by Swansea Council and will be operated by a not for profit organisation, Bay Leisure Ltd.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2007/12/20/city-s-32m-leisure-centre-ready-to-open-earlynextyear-91466-20271566/
Akzo asbestos fears
On22nd December 2007 the Rochdale Observer reported that the firm hoping to build more than 160 homes on the site of a former chemical works has sought to quell concerns about its proposals.
Bosses at Woodford Land say they are ‘very confident’ measures they intend to put in place will protect the public from asbestos contamination on the former Akzo Nobel plant in Littleborough.
The company has applied for outline planning permission to build 164 homes, a pub/restaurant, hotel and retail units at the Hollingworth Road site.
But the proposals have sparked protests from residents, who fear measures to decontaminate the land don’t go far enough.
Speaking at a public meeting called by MP Paul Rowen to discuss the concerns, Dave Rix, managing director of Woodford Remediation, said any contaminated soil which could not be treated would be taken away to a hazardous waste tip with the rest being buried under a capping layer of soil and stone.
Woodford’s assurances were backed up by Rochdale Council’s contaminated land officer Mark Brown.
He said: "We are looking for a full remediation strategy which will detail how the problems will be addressed and I do not see any fundamental reason why that cannot be achieved."
Roger Chadwick, chairman of the Spotland Area Forum, is involved with the campaign against plans to build on the former Turner Brothers asbestos factory.
He said: "The Turner Brothers reports said there was a low level of asbestos on that site then we had the Atkins report which said it was one of the most contaminated sites in the UK. I say the Akzo site is highly contaminated and needs sorting out."
The planning application is expected to go before committee next month.
http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1029417_akso_asbestos_fears
Bosses at Woodford Land say they are ‘very confident’ measures they intend to put in place will protect the public from asbestos contamination on the former Akzo Nobel plant in Littleborough.
The company has applied for outline planning permission to build 164 homes, a pub/restaurant, hotel and retail units at the Hollingworth Road site.
But the proposals have sparked protests from residents, who fear measures to decontaminate the land don’t go far enough.
Speaking at a public meeting called by MP Paul Rowen to discuss the concerns, Dave Rix, managing director of Woodford Remediation, said any contaminated soil which could not be treated would be taken away to a hazardous waste tip with the rest being buried under a capping layer of soil and stone.
Woodford’s assurances were backed up by Rochdale Council’s contaminated land officer Mark Brown.
He said: "We are looking for a full remediation strategy which will detail how the problems will be addressed and I do not see any fundamental reason why that cannot be achieved."
Roger Chadwick, chairman of the Spotland Area Forum, is involved with the campaign against plans to build on the former Turner Brothers asbestos factory.
He said: "The Turner Brothers reports said there was a low level of asbestos on that site then we had the Atkins report which said it was one of the most contaminated sites in the UK. I say the Akzo site is highly contaminated and needs sorting out."
The planning application is expected to go before committee next month.
http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/1029417_akso_asbestos_fears
Widow's Anger at Asbestos Payout
On 21st December the Shields Gazette followed up its earlier story when it reported that a South Tyneside widow had blasted a £1,800 increase in asbestos bereavement compensation as "a slap in the face".
Anne Craig, from St Joseph's Court, Hebburn, received £10,000 in compensation after her husband David died from mesothelioma in February 2002. She says she finds it "shocking" that people in Scotland receive tens of thousands of pounds more in compensation. Her comments follow the Government's decision to increase bereavement compensation by £1,800 in England and Wales, to £11,800 whereas Scottish widows and widowers of mesothelioma victims receive up to £30,000 compensation for bereavement.
Mrs Craig has backed a campaign by Newcastle-based Thompsons Solicitors to bridge the compensation gap between England, Wales and Scotland.
She said: "This announcement is like a slap in the face for the families of people who have died from asbestos diseases." "No amount of money can bring David back, but the level of compensation paid for bereavement should reflect the loss suffered." It is unjust that people in Scotland are receiving more compensation than those in England and Wales."It should be the same system across the UK."
Mr Craig, a super-fit cyclist, was just 54 when he died from the disease he contracted after working as an electrician at Swan Hunter, Wallsend.But he did not discover he had the killer disease until more than 30 years after his initial exposure to asbestos dust.
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, has slammed the £1,800 increase in compensation for bereavement in England and Wales as "an insult. It fails to address the widening gap between the way the law treats asbestos victims, compared to the more humanitarian approach of the law in Scotland."
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Widows-anger-at-asbestos-payout.3614264.jp
Anne Craig, from St Joseph's Court, Hebburn, received £10,000 in compensation after her husband David died from mesothelioma in February 2002. She says she finds it "shocking" that people in Scotland receive tens of thousands of pounds more in compensation. Her comments follow the Government's decision to increase bereavement compensation by £1,800 in England and Wales, to £11,800 whereas Scottish widows and widowers of mesothelioma victims receive up to £30,000 compensation for bereavement.
Mrs Craig has backed a campaign by Newcastle-based Thompsons Solicitors to bridge the compensation gap between England, Wales and Scotland.
She said: "This announcement is like a slap in the face for the families of people who have died from asbestos diseases." "No amount of money can bring David back, but the level of compensation paid for bereavement should reflect the loss suffered." It is unjust that people in Scotland are receiving more compensation than those in England and Wales."It should be the same system across the UK."
Mr Craig, a super-fit cyclist, was just 54 when he died from the disease he contracted after working as an electrician at Swan Hunter, Wallsend.But he did not discover he had the killer disease until more than 30 years after his initial exposure to asbestos dust.
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, has slammed the £1,800 increase in compensation for bereavement in England and Wales as "an insult. It fails to address the widening gap between the way the law treats asbestos victims, compared to the more humanitarian approach of the law in Scotland."
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Widows-anger-at-asbestos-payout.3614264.jp
Plaques compensation battle goes to Lords
The Shields Gazette was one of a number of papers to highlight the inequalities of treating asbestos related diseases in England and Scotland.
On 20th December it wrote that South Tyneside peer Lord Don Dixon quoted the Gazette in a House of Lords debate about a compensation battle by asbestos victims.
Lord Dixon's comments came after the paper reported that the Scottish Parliament is bidding to introduce legislation to again give pleural plaque victims compensation. (In a controversial landmark ruling WestminsterLaw Lords rejected an appeal by the UK's biggest trade union Unite, against an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal in January last year.The decision removes a right to compensation for pleural plaques, stretching back 20 years.
It now appears that the Scottish Parliament will legislate to redress the situation, whilst the English Parliament will not.
In a yet another manifestation of the West Lothian question, English workers who contracted the condition whilst working in Scotland will not have a right to claim compensation, whereas Scottish workers who were employed in England will.
South Tyneside has the highest proportion at risk of future hospital admission from chronic pulmonary disease, amounting to 62 per cent above the national average.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Plaques-compo-battle-goes-to.3609249.jp
On 20th December it wrote that South Tyneside peer Lord Don Dixon quoted the Gazette in a House of Lords debate about a compensation battle by asbestos victims.
Lord Dixon's comments came after the paper reported that the Scottish Parliament is bidding to introduce legislation to again give pleural plaque victims compensation. (In a controversial landmark ruling WestminsterLaw Lords rejected an appeal by the UK's biggest trade union Unite, against an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal in January last year.The decision removes a right to compensation for pleural plaques, stretching back 20 years.
It now appears that the Scottish Parliament will legislate to redress the situation, whilst the English Parliament will not.
In a yet another manifestation of the West Lothian question, English workers who contracted the condition whilst working in Scotland will not have a right to claim compensation, whereas Scottish workers who were employed in England will.
South Tyneside has the highest proportion at risk of future hospital admission from chronic pulmonary disease, amounting to 62 per cent above the national average.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Plaques-compo-battle-goes-to.3609249.jp
Top asbestos campaign relaunches
TUC Risks reported 22nd December 2007 that a campaign group set up in memory of a Leeds mother who died of an asbestos-related cancer has won charitable status. The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund has now officially relaunched itself as an independent charity.
It is dedicated to raising awareness of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, funding research into the illness and supporting sufferers and their carers.
It is also seeking a mesothelioma charter, which would give guarantees over the treatment and support of victims, and their families.
June Hancock was brought up in Armley, Leeds, in the shadow of the JW Roberts asbestos factory. After Mrs Hancock contracted the disease, she brought the company responsible to the courts, and secured a landmark victory against them in 1995, establishing the firm was responsible for asbestos cancers in the neighbouring community. Her mother, who also lived in the shadow of the factory, also died from mesothelioma.
The fund was set up by Mrs Hancock's family and friends 10 years ago, shortly after her death. It has raised more than £400,000, mostly in small donations.
For more information visit www.junehancockfund.org or telephone 07711 969223.
The national Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF) has also relaunched its website, promoting activities and groups nationwide.
It is dedicated to raising awareness of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, funding research into the illness and supporting sufferers and their carers.
It is also seeking a mesothelioma charter, which would give guarantees over the treatment and support of victims, and their families.
June Hancock was brought up in Armley, Leeds, in the shadow of the JW Roberts asbestos factory. After Mrs Hancock contracted the disease, she brought the company responsible to the courts, and secured a landmark victory against them in 1995, establishing the firm was responsible for asbestos cancers in the neighbouring community. Her mother, who also lived in the shadow of the factory, also died from mesothelioma.
The fund was set up by Mrs Hancock's family and friends 10 years ago, shortly after her death. It has raised more than £400,000, mostly in small donations.
For more information visit www.junehancockfund.org or telephone 07711 969223.
The national Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF) has also relaunched its website, promoting activities and groups nationwide.
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