SHETTLESTON ASBESTOS SCARE – CAMPAIGNING LAW FIRM RESPONDS TO CONCERNED RESIDENTS

Thompsons Solicitors, specialists in victims’ rights, has set up a dedicated service to help worried residents after deadly asbestos fibres were found in the gutters of houses near a burned out school.

St Mark’s Primary School on Muiryfauld Drive, Shettleston was closed in late 2010 and has lain derelict until it was torched by vandals in May this year. Glasgow City Council has now confirmed that asbestos fibres have been found in the gutters of houses in the surrounding area.

A clean-up operation is taking place, with the concern that residents may be put at risk of exposure to the toxic asbestos fibres.

Each year, around 4,000 people die from asbestos exposure.

Drew Smith, Labour MSP for Glasgow, commented:

“The situation has caused considerable fear and alarm in the local community, and we need to ensure a thorough clean-up and full information for worried residents.
 
"I have asked the City Council to confirm that everything that can be done is being done.
 
"Local people must be satisfied that there are no outstanding safety issues.”

Chris Gordon, asbestos expert and partner at Thompsons Solicitors, comments:

“Breathing in just a small amount of asbestos dust can put your health at serious risk. It’s a silent killer – it can be in your system for many years before symptoms show. Most victims don’t know they’ve been affected until they develop shortness of breath or chest or abdominal pain.

“We work closely with Clydeside Action on Asbestos and the victims and families of those affected by asbestos poisoning to get justice and to ensure that the community is protected from potentially fatal health hazards such as this.

“We’re committed to the local community and we’re on-hand to provide assistance to anyone concerned with these recent developments.”

As the leading experts in asbestos disease cases, Thompsons announced today that its asbestos helpline (0800 081 0054 or text “Asbestos” to 60155) will be open to anyone concerned by the presence of asbestos in the Shettleston and surrounding area.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

•    To arrange further comments from Chris Gordon or for more information, contact Tim Weir on 0141 221 8840, e-mail tim.weir@thompsons-scotland.co.uk or Twitter @ThompsonsTim

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