Shoppers were at risk from asbestos

The Co-op and a fire protection company have been fined for health and safety breaches which exposed shoppers and staff in Royton to the risk of asbestos.

The Co-operative Group Ltd took no action when it took over a store in Market Square even though there was brown asbestos in the ceiling. Sub-contractor SF Fire Protection Services, of West Yorkshire, admitted two offences and the Co-op admitted one at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.

Each company was ordered to pay costs of £7,368, and the Co-op was fined £30,000. SF Fire Protection was fined £12,000.

They were told by Judge Peter Lakin that they had exposed people to asbestos fibre for more than three months.

A sub-contractor fitting a fire alarm broke one of the asbestos panels with a hammer, the court heard, and staff cleaned up the mess which was left in open bags for two weeks. Asbestos was found in a freezer and and on top of a food cabinet three months later.

The judge said this had been a serious failure in relation to a long-standing problem. He explained that if the Co-op had pleaded not guilty, they would be liable for a fine up to £45,000.

However, taking into consideration the Co-operative’s guilty plea this was reduced by one-third.