A solicitor who specialises in asbestos cases has reported an increase in compensation claims from former car workers at Swindon's Pressed Steel Works where asbestos was widely used over many years.

The claims are being brought against British Motor Holdings Limited the successor in title to the company which operated Pressed Steel Works in Swindon which later became the Car Factory taken over by British Leyland, Swindon Pressings and then BMW.

Brigitte Chandler, a partner at Charles Lucas & Marshall says that wives of former workers at the factory are also coming forward with asbestos claims after becoming contaminated through washing their husband's clothes.

"The use of asbestos for welding was not discontinued until the mid 1960s," says Brigitte Chandler. "Asbestos was used for welding on cars until the mid 1960s. It was also used in other parts of the factory such as on steam pipes and in the boiler room."

Brigitte Chandler has just settled a case on behalf of Sycilla Dann, whose brother Henry Lovegrove died from mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer, in May 2007. Mr Lovegrove worked as a gas welder for the Pressed Steel Company from 1958 until 1990.

"Mr Lovegrove worked with asbestos extensively," says Brigitte Chandler. "It was on the work bench, mixed with water and any surplus was pushed by hand on to the floor. Some inevitably went into the air."

"Undoubtedly there will be more claims in the future from workers who received no protection as they went about their work."

British Motor Holdings accepted liability and agreed to pay £52,000 to Mr Lovegrove's sister. The amount reflected the fact that Mr Lovegrove was 80 years of age, had fortunately suffered for a very short period and had no dependents. He lived at Hatherley Park North, prior to his death.

For more information contact Brigitte Chandler on 01793 511055 or brigitte.chandler@clmlaw.co.uk

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