Lawyers Demand Quicker Action On Future Issues

Legal experts have welcomed news that work has begun to remove asbestos from a public footpath underneath Wallsend Road Bridge, but warned that action on such issues must be quicker in the future.

The Evening Chronicle reports that asbestos material was found with other waste dumped by fly-tippers in January, as North Tyneside Council started preparations for repair work on the bridge.

Three months on, it has been confirmed that specialist contractors are now working to remove the asbestos, with the footpath remaining closed for the duration of the project. A diversion for pedestrians and cyclists has been introduced.

Irwin Mitchell’s asbestos-related disease lawyers specialise in helping those who have developed serious illnesses as a result of contact with the material to gain justice and answers regarding the problems they have faced.

Reacting to this news, Roger Maddocks, a Partner and expert in asbestos-related disease at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

Expert Opinion

“It is very welcome to see the council taking steps to address the presence of asbestos underneath this bridge, but the whole issue does raise concerns.

“The fact that the material – which poses a huge risk to the public – has been sat at the location for three months is far from ideal, so there is scope for improvement in this regard. In addition, the fact that asbestos is present in the first place is also worrying. Due to the huge dangers that the material can pose, companies have strict guidelines to follow regarding the handling and management of it.

“This case must serve as a reminder that contractors and other organisations should not shirk their responsibilities on this issue. A failure to meet regulations could have huge consequences on both workers and the public." Roger Maddocks - Partner