Search for buried asbestos at derelict factory site
LDRSA derelict factory site in Greater Manchester that has been described as "Rochdale's Chernobyl" is being excavated in an attempt to locate buried asbestos.
The old Turner Brothers factory in Spotland was once the world's largest producer of the toxic material.
In recent years the site has been a magnet for disorder and trespass by so-called urban explorers.
Owner Spodden Park Ltd will carry out investigations to locate where asbestos has been buried on the site, which has an area of about 75 acres (30 hectares).
Asbestos is a heat and flame resistant material that is strong and cheap and has many uses.
Microscopic fragments of all kinds of asbestos fibre are potentially dangerous when inhaled and may give rise to asbestos-related diseases including cancer.
Spodden Park said asbestos would not be disturbed during the work.
Its contractor said the survey would provide a better understanding of the landscape so that when the site clean-up takes place it can be done so safely, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Local residents have recently shared pictures of workers in overalls and diggers at the site.
However, this could be connected to the clearance of knotweed.
Spodden Park intends to remediate the area off Spod Road in order to redevelop it.
Although its future vision for the area off Spod Road has not been revealed, it is understood there is an ambition to build housing and create a park.
While no details have been confirmed by the landowner, it has outlined that the number of houses planned would be far fewer than the 650 previously suggested in the 2000s.
Andy DeCourcyA Spodden Park spokesperson said: "Over the next few weeks, a specialist contractor will undertake investigation works across the site.
"These investigations will enable us to better understand ground conditions across the site, including the location of asbestos beneath the ground. This will inform the safest and most appropriate remediation strategy.
"During these investigations, no asbestos will be disturbed and no buildings or structures will be demolished. To carry out these works, heavy machinery will be operating on site. Some breaking of concrete may be required; however, the concrete itself does not contain asbestos."
In its recent update, Spodden Park has also issued another warning, urging trespassers not to set foot on the grounds.
Despite this, so-called urban explorers have gone through the barbed gates to get a hands-on view of the decaying set of buildings and overgrown vegetation on the site.
The landowners say they have installed more security measures in order to prevent more break-ins.
Spodden Park added: "Whilst the investigation areas will be secured, the site remains private land and unauthorised access is not permitted. This includes informal recreation activities such as dog walking.
"With heavy machinery and specialist contractors operating on site, trespassing may endanger those undertaking the works, as well as members of the public.
"Any unauthorised access may be reported to the police by site staff. The measures being implemented are to protect site staff and local residents, and for the site to remain safe throughout the duration of these works."
'Unauthorised activity'
Spodden Park said it continued to work closely with police and the fire service "to support the safety of the site and its security".
Anyone who spots unauthorised activity on the site is urged to contact the police, while any damage to its perimeter should be reported to the firm.
There have been long periods of uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment of the site, starting in 2004 when plans to build 650 homes, a children's daycare centre and a business park on the land were tabled.
Planning permission was refused a decade later after a £500,000 investigation into contamination on the site was not carried out.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.