Maureen Seabrook, whose husband, John worked for the borough engineers department in Northampton between 1963 -1967, has received £176,000 in damages for the death of her husband from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who came forward,” says Mrs Seabrook, who now lives in Yelverton, Devon. “Without their help I would not have been able to proceed with my claim. I would also like to thank the Chronicle & Echo for their assistance.”

During 1963-1967, Mr Seabrook was involved in the construction of a multi-storey car park at the rear of The Savoy Cinema, off Abingdon Square and was sent down by the Council to supervise the work.

Sprayers were on site, spraying blue asbestos – one of the most dangerous types – on to steel girders in the car park. Mr Seabrook was advised to walk through the spray and also had to inspect the girders after spraying. He was given no protective clothing.

After he left Northampton Borough Council Mr Seabrook went to work abroad as a construction manager. He was completely healthy until 2003 when he started feeling unwell. He died from mesothelioma in August 2004.

Due to of the length of time since the exposure, Mr Seabrook had lost contact with his fellow work colleagues at the Council.

“I decided to issue an appeal through the Chronicle & Echo as without eye-witness statements our claim could have been jeopardized,” says Brigitte Chandler.

“As a result of Mr Seabrook’s death, Mrs Seabrook has obviously lost his income for the rest of her life. He was a gifted builder and he planned more projects on his home during his retirement. The compensation is to cover these sums.”

Since her husband’s death, Mrs Seabrook has launched a Widows Support Group in Devon for other widows who have lost their husbands from asbestos disease.

This is part of the Swindon & South West Asbestos Group, a regional charity set which has been set up to support and assist those suffering from any form of asbestos disease in their family.

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