Mesothelioma is often referred to as the ‘Swindon Disease’ in Wiltshire as there is a disproportionately high number of cases in the borough. This is largely due to the fact that in the 1950s the vast majority of working men were employed at the railway works.It was common in Swindon for fathers and sons to work at the railway works, a tradition following through families. Sadly, asbestos was used prolifically in the railway works, resulting in high levels of regular exposure. In addition, there were other factories in the Swindon area including car plants which also gave rise to asbestos exposure.Unfortunately, this had led to a clearly high number of cases of asbestos related deaths in the Wiltshire area.Gilly Jones, a specialist asbestos claims solicitor at Boyes Turner, commented:“Wiltshire is known as a particular hot spot for mesothelioma, other asbestos related diseases and deaths as a result of asbestos exposure. We receive a large number of instructions from those affected in this area, particularly the railway workers. It is a very sad legacy”.
