Ken wins battle for asbestos pay-out

Victorious: Ken Partridge

Chronicle appeal helps secure vital evidence
AN Oldham pensioner exposed to asbestos 50 years ago says he is “absolutely delighted” to win more than £15,000 in compensation.

Ken Partridge (84) appealed via the Chronicle in 2011 for former colleagues to help his fight.

The former joiner, from Shaw, developed asbestosis — caused by inhaled asbestos dust — due to work at Newroyd Mills from 1963-65.

After the appeal was featured, his solicitor was able to find the evidence needed to settle his claim.

“I worked at Newroyd Mills, following my service in the Army at the end of the 1940s,” he said.

“Back in those days we didn’t know just how dangerous asbestos was.”

Former colleagues of Mr Partridge contacted his solicitor to compile evidence to confirm asbestos had been common in his work environment.

With that evidence, Lesley Mynett negotiated a settlement with the company’s insurer.