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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 fibres

[The site of the former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory in Rochdale]

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The 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.

[A sign warning of asbestos]

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The 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 locks," the company said. "We are very concerned that people are willing to expose themselves to potential danger, either in the act of vandalism or theft."

[The former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory, dubbed the Rochdale Chernobyl]

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The owners say they may pursue legal action if trespassing continues(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

It has warned that those entering the Spod Road site are exposing themselves not only to potential asbestos contamination, but also to the risk of collapsing structures inside and outside the decaying buildings, adding that access for emergency services would be extremely difficult if someone became trapped.

Urban explorers have been filming and sharing videos of their entries on platforms like YouTube, prompting growing concerns from the landowners, who say the are also dealing with ongoing fly-tipping and are urging witnesses to report incidents to police.

Spodden Park Ltd has even warned it may pursue legal action if trespassing continues, and is urging parents and carers to discuss the dangers with children using safety factsheet it has produced on asbestos exposure and derelict buildings.

[The former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory, dubbed the Rochdale Chernobyl]

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The factory closed in the 1990s(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

Turner Brothers was once a major employer in Rochdale before its closure in the 1990s, but the site has since become a long-running contamination and redevelopment challenge.

Early plans in 2004 for 650 homes, a daycare centre and business park were rejected by Rochdale Council in 2011, while a later attempt in 2021 by ESG Trading Ltd also failed after 500,000 contamination investigations were not completed by landowner MMC Estates.

In 2014, a fire tore through part of the abandoned factory, adding further damage to an already hazardous landscape.

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