A caution has been issued to parents regarding a location known as the ‘Chernobyl of Rochdale’. The abandoned Turner Brothers factory in Rochdale is suspected to contain hazardous fibres that have persisted since its closure many years ago. Spodden Park Ltd, the property owners, have reported a significant increase in trespassing incidents, with over 100 occurrences recorded in October 2025 alone.
The frequency of breaches at the site ranges from 30 to 60 per month on average, spiking by up to 25% during school holidays as groups of regular trespassers and urban explorers continue to gain unauthorized access. Asbestos, previously valued for its fire-resistant properties, is now recognized as extremely harmful, with fibres that can cause lifelong lung issues like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Spodden Park Ltd has highlighted the risks associated with even brief exposure within the premises, as fibres could be carried on clothing, potentially endangering others long after leaving the area. Efforts to secure the site, including reinforced chains and locks, have been thwarted by persistent break-ins, leading to visible fence damage and vandalized CCTV cameras.
The company expressed concern over the repeated break-in attempts despite their security measures, emphasizing the potential dangers individuals expose themselves to through vandalism or theft. They cautioned that entering the Spod Road site poses risks not only from asbestos exposure but also from the possibility of structural collapses inside and outside the deteriorating buildings, complicating emergency services’ access in case of an incident.
Urban explorers have been documenting their entries into the site on platforms like YouTube, raising alarm among the landowners who are also grappling with ongoing incidents of illegal waste dumping. They urge witnesses to report any such activities to the authorities.
Spodden Park Ltd has indicated a possible pursuit of legal action if trespassing persists, and advises parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers by using a safety factsheet they have prepared on asbestos exposure and abandoned structures. Turner Brothers, once a significant employer in Rochdale before its closure in the 1990s, now presents a prolonged contamination and redevelopment challenge.
Previous proposals for redevelopment, including plans for housing, a daycare center, and a business park, have faced setbacks over the years. A fire in 2014 further damaged parts of the deserted factory, complicating an already hazardous environment.
