Asbestos victim's centre much needed - Alliance

10.45.54am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Oct 2006

Belfast Alliance Party Councillor, Maíre Hendron

Belfast Alliance Party Councillor, Maíre Hendron, has welcomed the creation of a centre for asbestos victims, stating that assistance for these victims is much needed. The drop-in centre is located on Bloomfield Avenue in East Belfast.

The Alliance Councillor for the area, Maíre Hendron said: "I strongly welcome the creation of a drop-in centre for asbestos victims. There are about 3,000 people suffering from asbestos related illnesses in Northern Ireland, and sources have stated that there are probably another 6,000 on top of that number who are not known to the health authorities.

"East Belfast has a proud industrial and manufacturing tradition, from shipyards to many massive factories. The unfortunate and tragic legacy of this heavy industry is that many people in this area were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, and their health has been devastatingly affected due to this work.

"Assistance for victims of asbestos is much needed, and I am and glad to see that facilities are now being provided to help these people.

"This centre will play a vital role in ensuring that they are given the assistance they deserve."

ENDS