Warning over 'Rochdale's Chernobyl' as parents told kids could be in 'danger'

Warning over 'Rochdale's Chernobyl' as parents told kids could be in 'danger'Owners of the former Turner Brothers factory, dubbed 'Rochdale's Chernobyl', warn that even brief exposure at the site could result in contact with asbestos fibresCommentsNewsZahra Khaliq News Reporter and George Lythgoe 12:42, 04 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesThe site of the former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory in Rochdale(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)A warning has been issued to parents over a site dubbed 'Rochdale's Chernobyl'.‌The sprawling derelict Turner Brothers factory in Rochdale is believed to contain dangerous fibres still lingering decades after its closure. According to the owners, Spodden Park Ltd, trespassing has surged in recent months - with more than 100 incidents recorded in October 2025 alone.‌There have also been between 30 and 60 breaches a month on average, rising by up to 25% during school holidays as groups of "regulars" and so-called urban explorers continue to force their way in.‌Asbestos, once widely used for its heat and fire resistance, is now known to be highly dangerous, with fibres that can become lodged in the lungs for life and lead to illnesses such as asbestosis mesothelioma and lung cancer.View 4 ImagesThe site is still believed to contain dangerous asbestos fibres(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)The site owners warn that even brief exposure inside the building could result in fibres being carried on clothing, potentially putting others at risk long after leaving the area, Manchester Evening News reports.‌According to the company, repeated attempts to secure the site, including reinforced chains and locks, have been undermined by persistent break-ins, with visible fence damage and even a smashed CCTV camera reported during inspections."Spodden Park has suffered a number of break-in attempts despite the repeated replacement of hardened steel security chains and l...