Death toll reaches its peak 
Vale Royal has the third highest mortality rate in Cheshire, with 78 deaths from mesothelioma recorded between 1985 and 2004.
It is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lungs, and is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, which was readily used at engineering sites such as ICI at Winnington.
Between 1985 and 1989 just five men died in the borough from the disease, but between 2000 and 2004, this figure had risen to 31 – a trend experts expect to continue.
The disease can take up to 60 years to develop and asbestos was widely used until the late 1970s, meaning many cases are yet to emerge.
An inquest into the death of a former ICI employee from Rudheath revealed he developed mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos in the 1950s and 60s.
The hearing at Crewe last Wednesday heard how Kenneth Hickson, 72, came into contact with the deadly fibre while working as an electrical engineer at ICI’s Fleetwood plant.
He would remove the asbestos to carry out his job, and it was then reapplied in his presence – asbestos is at its most dangerous when it is broken up and the individual fibres are inhaled.
Solicitor Janet Finney said: “The prognosis from being diagnosed is usually 12 months but Mr Hickson didn’t even live that long. It came as quite a shock because he was exposed so early on in his career.”
She added: “The death toll is devastating, it is a terrible and painful death and is massively distressing for families.”
Ms Finney, who works for national group Thompsons Solicitors, is now persuing a claim against ICI and urges anyone affected by mesothelioma to seek legal advice.
“Families are left in extreme financial difficulty and suffer considerably. It is crucial to find a solicitor to help set your own claim in motion,” she said.
For more information about mesothelioma and how to make a compensation claim, please contact Cheshire Victims Asbestos Support Group on 01928 576641.
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