Lawther demands answers on asbestos levels in Antrim

5.01.32pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 7th Jul 2006

Alliance Antrim Councillor, Alan Lawther

Antrim Alliance Party Councillor, Alan Lawther, has demanded during a meeting of Antrim Community Planning Committee that water in Antrim be tested for asbestos. Currently plans are being processed which could see an asbestos station being situated in Crumlin. Cllr Lawther is strongly opposed to the building of the station.

Cllr Lawther stated: "I am absolutely disgusted at the thought of planning permission being granted for an asbestos station in Crumlin.

"Alliance wants to ensure that the people of Crumlin do not have such a facility located on their doorstep. Alliance Party Leader, David Ford and I have been working hard against this abhorrent scheme and will continue to work tirelessly against the plan.

"It is of paramount importance that people in the locality are safe from the harmful effects of exposure to asbestos.

"I requested, following the presentation of the Drinking Water Quality Report for Northern Ireland, that asbestos levels in the Antrim area water supply be monitored now, and in future, because we must know whether these levels change if an asbestos station is build in this region.

Cllr Lawther concluded: "I hope that common sense prevails and this asbestos station is not built; however, if it is I will do everything in my power to ensure that the residents of Crumlin are not put at risk."

ENDS