The former Turner Brothers asbestos factory in Spotland, Rochdale, has been dubbed “Rochdale's Chernobyl” because of its eerie, post-apocalyptic appearance. Its owners, Spodden Park Ltd, have urged people to stay away, warning that the site is dangerous and that breaking and entering is a crime.
The factory once produced asbestos products, a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals prized for their resistance to heat, fire and chemicals. Asbestos is now known to be a carcinogen, and breathing in its fibres can lead to life-threatening diseases including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos production ended at the site in the 1990s, and by 2008 the site had been abandoned, leaving it to be reclaimed by nature. Since then, it has reportedly become a hotspot for urban explorers.
Summer holidays warning
Spodden Park Ltd anticipated an increase in trespassing during the school summer holidays. The team said: “Now that we are in the school summer holidays, we anticipate there may be an increase in trespassing activity during this period. The site is dangerous, and breaking and entering is a crime. We encourage those who have or work with children and teenagers, to remind them of the significant dangers of the site, asbestos and fires, and the consequences of being caught committing a crime.”
The owners also stressed that no fires are permitted on the site, and with “the prolonged dry forecast, if you see smoke or fire on site, please call the fire brigade immediately”.
The company added: “We have been working with the security team and can confirm the perimeter security fence has been repaired.” It continued: “We will continue to take measures to keep the site safe and secure. If you do see anyone breaking and entering the site, please report it to the police.”
Earlier warnings and health risks
A similar warning was issued ahead of the Easter school holidays, with parents urged to educate their children on the risks of entering the forbidden area. Spodden Park Ltd also produced a factsheet explaining that breathing in asbestos fibres can mean they stay in the lungs permanently, potentially leading to asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Asbestos fibres can also be carried on clothes and pose a risk to family members who may unknowingly inhale them later. The owners noted there is a risk of collapse both outside and inside the derelict buildings, and that it would be difficult for emergency services to reach anyone injured inside the fencing.
Future of the site
It is hoped the site will be given a new lease of life, with its potential under consideration by Spodden Park Ltd. The company says it will continue to provide updates on its website while it carries out “the technical work needed to better understand the site and its potential”.
