PRESS RELEASE FROM THOMPSONS SOLICITORS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thompsons Solicitors is to hold a public meeting with local politicians, officials and residents at St Mark’s Church Hall, Shettleston next week following a recent asbestos scare in the area.
The campaigning law firm wants to raise local awareness of the danger that potentially exists after a derelict primary school was torched by vandals in May, scattering asbestos material into the air.
When material containing asbestos is broken up, the fibres can be inhaled – potentially causing fatal lung disease.
In the aftermath of the fire, council workers confirmed that asbestos fibres were found in the gutters and roofs of a number of homes surrounding the former St Mark’s Primary School building on Muiryfauld Drive, and a clean up operation was ordered.
Local residents are invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday 17 July at 7:30pm to discuss their concerns with Glasgow Labour MSP Drew Smith, Councillor Frank McAveety, trade union representatives and lawyers from Thompsons Solicitors.
The community meeting comes at a time when residents are worried about the effects of potential asbestos exposure on their family and friends.Local councillor for Shettleston, Frank McAveety said:
“I’ve been speaking with a number of worried residents in the aftermath of the fire at St Mark’s, and they’re extremely concerned by the whole situation.
“The community needs to be reassured that what has to be done is being done, and that there are no risks in the future.
“The community needs to come together at this time, and I look forward to Tuesday’s meeting where we can hopefully get a better picture of what happened, what’s being done, and what can be done to ensure residents are never again put at risk.”
Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress comments:
“What has happened following the fire at the former St Mark’s Primary School is a reminder to us all that asbestos is not just a workplace issue – it is present in public, private and commercial premises in communities throughout Scotland.
“We need to ensure that where buildings are unoccupied and known to contain asbestos, the risks are properly managed – including removal, where appropriate, in order to protect our communities.”Chris Gordon, asbestos expert and partner at Thompsons Solicitors, comments:
“There’s a mistaken assumption that there’s no longer any risk from asbestos – that it’s a thing of the past.
“The alarming truth is that each year more than 4,000 people die from asbestos-related disease.
“Asbestos is a silent killer, and inhaling only a small amount of the stuff can have dire health consequences later in life.
“There are currently hundreds of people in the city dying because of asbestos, but they just don't know it yet.
“We’re committed to the local community and that’s why we’re holding this public meeting to provide assistance to anyone concerned with these recent developments.”
The public meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 July at 7:30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 51 Edenwood Street, Shettleston.
As the leading experts in asbestos disease cases, Thompsons continue to run their asbestos helpline (0800 081 0054 or text “Asbestos” to 78866) which 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 07974 262 997 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - The public meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th July 2012 at 7:30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 51 Edenwood Street, Glasgow G31 5LG. Photo opportunities will be available. Please confirm your attendance with Tim Weir on 07974 262 997 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - A press call regarding the public meeting will be sent under separate cover.
