Hole in roof sparks fears over asbestos

Vikki Curren is worried for her family’s safety after asbestos was damaged at her mum’s home

Landlord takes action to ‘minimise risk to tenants’
FIRST Choice Homes has moved to assure Oldham residents that they are doing everything to protect them from asbestos.

Several homes have been found to contain the dangerous substance but a spokeman for the housing association said: “In all cases, the condition of the asbestos is properly assessed and appropriate action is taken to minimise any risk to tenants.”

The statement comes as more residents speak out after finding asbestos near their homes.

Angela Curren (50) has lived in Pemberton Way, Shaw, for the past seven years, but says she has been living in fear for almost two months after a hole was punched in the roof of a walkway outside her front door.

She said: “I reported it several weeks ago and even took a day off work but the workers didn’t show up.

“We didn’t know it was asbestos at first, my seven-month-old grandson has been visiting but my daughter Vikki is worried to bring him around.”

Asbestos was commonly used in buildings in the 1950s and 1960s and is not dangerous unless disturbed or damaged.

Angela said: “We’ve been using the back door to stay away from it but some people have to walk under it to get to their homes.

“I don’t know if it is causing damage but it is a worry, it should have been sorted sooner rather than later.”

After complaining, a worker attended the property while Mrs Curran was out putting black gaffer tape over the hole, but this has since began to peel off.

The FCHO spokesman said they were not notified until June 30 and that someone attended the same day to take a sample and cover the area with a safety sealant spray.

He added: “They returned later to check the area and applied gaffer tape, which is also Health and Safety Executive approved, and a further coat of sealant.

“If any resident has concerns they should ring the FCHO Asbestos contact number on 0161-770 8863.”