Abandoned Asbestos Factory Haunts Rochdale Residents: Urban Explorers and Fly-Tippers Defy Deadly Risks

As of November 9th, 2025, the residents of Rochdale continue to grapple with the looming threat of an abandoned asbestos factory that has plagued their community for decades. The former Turner Brothers factory, once the world's largest asbestos manufacturer, now stands as a dilapidated wreck, earning it the ominous moniker of 'Rochdale's Chernobyl'.

For over 25 years, locals have been battling with council officials, pleading for action to address the serious health hazards posed by the abandoned site. Despite their efforts, the factory has become a magnet for urban explorers and fly-tippers, who defy the deadly risks and continue to trespass on the property.

The factory's closure in the 1990s has not deterred these thrill-seekers, with some residents, like Reece Jackson, admitting to regularly climbing onto the roof to "escape from the world." Meanwhile, the site has become a dumping ground for discarded waste, further exacerbating the environmental concerns.

Residents like Nathan Jones and Frances Rand have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the factory's legacy, with many of their loved ones succumbing to asbestos-related illnesses. The toxic materials have seeped into the surrounding soil and waterways, rendering the area a no-go zone for activities like fishing.

As the owners of the property, Spodden Park Ltd, struggle to secure the site and prevent trespassing, the future of Rochdale's 'Chernobyl' remains uncertain. With the asbestos continuing to pose a grave threat to the community, the call for decisive action and a comprehensive solution grows ever more urgent.