BARROW has the highest rate of an asbestos related cancer in the UK, statistics show.

At yesterday's official launch of the Cumbria & Lancashire Asbestos Support Advice Group (CLASAG) at Barrow and District Disability Association, it was highlighted the town has the highest rates of mesothelioma in the UK, which is nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.

Latest statistics from the National Mesothelioma audit run by the Royal College of Physicians show that from 2014-2016 there was a minimum of 75 cases of mesothelioma recorded within the Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, which includes Furness General Hospital.

Further to this, statistics from the Health and Safety Executive show that in 2015 such cases were three times the national average.

Although these occurrences have dropped slightly from when it was 4.3 times the national average between the years 1981-2015, it still makes Barrow the highest in the UK.

Speaking at the event Albert Brennan, 78 from Walney, who worked for 18 years as a BAE contractor said: “I’ve seen a lot of our lads that I’ve worked with taken ill with it and within 12 months they were gone.

“We know how big a killer it is and it’s not finished yet - people are still suffering.

“I thought I got away with it then bang I was diagnosed. It’s like having a concrete overcoat around your lung, your breathing just gets worse and worse and there is no long term survivors of it.”

The formation of the group will however provide critical support for people with asbestos conditions.

Formally known as Cumbria Asbestos Related Disease Support (CARDS) chaired by Bob Pointer, the new group run by Disability First will hold meetings on the third Monday of each month at the Barrow & District Disability Association. They will also be able to provide independent advice about welfare benefits and compensation through the home visiting service.

Alan Reid, CEO of Disability First, said: “We are thrilled and very proud to be asked by Bob and the group to continue all the hard work that has been achieved.”

Graham Dring, chair of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK, said: “It is crucial that local people have access to independent, expert advice on benefits and compensation and ongoing support so the establishment of CLASAG is welcome news for victims of asbestos diseases and their families.”

For more information call 07541222852 or email: alanreid@disabilityfirst.org