ANGER AS RESIDENTS REFUSED CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR QUALITY

‘Blatant disregard’

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW

KIRKLEES councillors have slammed the council for a ‘blatant disregard’ of Cleckheaton residents who were denied the opportunity to ask questions at Wednesday's Full Council meeting.

Over the past several months, residents living near to a building site off Westgate have been hugely concerned about the dust being generated and its contents.

Seven samples of dust taken from residents’ homes have now tested positive for brown or white asbestos. Asbestos is far from the only substance locals are fearful of, with lead, arsenic and cyanide also among the site’s contaminants noted in planning documents.

Applicant Strata Homes - which is carrying out the construction - and social housing provider, Thirteen Group - which has taken on the site - have maintained that work is being carried out safely and in line with regulations.