Asbestos Campaigners Celebrate
24 February 2010- Asbestos in Schools campaigners were today celebrating following a meeting with Schools Minister Diana Johnson MP. At the meeting the Schools Minister agreed to the setting up of a steering group to look at all aspects of risk, management and training for asbestos in schools.
The first meeting of the steering group will take place next month.
Chair of the Asbestos in Schools group, Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen said: \”We have come a long way since our initial meeting with the Prime Minister last year. From the Health and Safety Executive initially denying there was a problem with the management of asbestos in schools, we are now seeing action to provide materials and training for those charged with the safety of staff and children in our schools. I am delighted.\”
This decision follows the recent damning ATAC report on asbestos in schools which highlighted major failings in the management of asbestos.
John Richards from ATAC said: \”It was a positive meeting with the concerns of our members being recognised.\”
Michael Lees, a dedicated campaigner whose wife contracted mesothelioma as a teacher and died in 2000 said: \”The Prime Minister acknowledged that there was a serious problem of asbestos in schools. I am very pleased that the Minister Diana Johnson MP is now taking action in conjunction with the Asbestos in Schools group to work towards making our schools safe.\”
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For more information contact: Paul Rowen on 07976295205
