Parents are being cautioned about a site in Rochdale that has been likened to ‘Chernobyl’.
The expansive abandoned Turner Brothers factory in Rochdale is suspected to harbor hazardous fibers that have persisted since its closure many years ago. Spodden Park Ltd, the property owners, have observed a significant increase in trespassing incidents, with over 100 occurrences documented in October 2025 alone.
Reports indicate a monthly average of 30 to 60 breaches, spiking by up to 25% during school breaks, as both regular individuals and urban explorers forcibly enter the premises.
Although asbestos was once valued for its fire-resistant properties, it is now recognized as extremely hazardous, with fibers that can embed in the lungs permanently, leading to diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The owners caution that even brief exposure within the building can result in fibers being carried on clothing, potentially endangering others long after leaving the area, as per a report from Manchester Evening News.
Despite numerous efforts to secure the site, such as reinforced chains and locks, break-ins persist, with visible damage to fences and even a vandalized CCTV camera reported during inspections.
The company expressed concern over the repeated break-in attempts, stating, “We are very worried that individuals are risking potential harm, either through vandalism or theft.”
Those entering the Spod Road site are not only exposing themselves to asbestos contamination but also to the danger of collapsing structures within and outside the deteriorating buildings, making it challenging for emergency services to access if someone gets trapped.
Urban explorers have been documenting and sharing their explorations on platforms like YouTube, causing heightened concerns for the landowners who are also dealing with continuous fly-tipping and are encouraging witnesses to report incidents to the authorities.
Spodden Park Ltd has indicated that legal action may be pursued if trespassing persists, advising parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers using a safety factsheet they have prepared on asbestos exposure and abandoned structures.
Once a significant employer in Rochdale, Turner Brothers ceased operations in the 1990s, leaving behind a complex contamination and redevelopment issue.
Initial proposals in 2004 for housing, a daycare center, and a business park were turned down by Rochdale Council in 2011. Similarly, a later attempt in 2021 by ESG Trading Ltd failed due to incomplete £500,000 contamination investigations by landowner MMC Estates.
In 2014, a fire ravaged a section of the deserted factory, compounding the existing hazards in the area.
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