Six-figure award for mill workers widow
Michael Bartholomew, of Link Road, Newbury, died in December 2009, aged 71, after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, four months earlier.
He had worked for Reed Board Mills at Colthrop Board and Paper Mill twice - first between 1953 and 1957 and then again from 1960 to 1965, during which time there were said to be asbestos-covered pipes running throughout the factory.
His wife of 48 years, Mary Bartholomew, claimed for compensation after learning that his illness was related to working closely with asbestos.
Mrs Bartholomew spoke fondly of her husband to the Newbury Weekly News, describing him as an avid football fan, someone who loved life and having a good time.
“He was always game for a laugh,” she said. “In our younger years we used to go dancing and partying and we had a good time, it was only the later years when he couldn’t do it.
“I have very fond memories.”
Although the sum is said to be in the region of six figures, Mrs Bartholomew said she had not yet had final confirmation of the amount she would receive once costs had been factored in.
“It’s going to be a nice amount to keep me comfortable for the rest of my life, it’s made up for all the time he was ill when I looked after him.
“I will be able to go on holiday and not worry about paying for it.”
A statement released by law firm Charles Lucas & Marshall, who represented Mrs Bartholomew against her husband’s former employer SCA Euroliner Ltd, claimed that no warnings were given when repair work was carried out at the factory, and that no protective clothing was provided.
Industrial disease specialist at Charles Lucas & Marshall, Brigitte Chandler, said: “Mr Bartholomew worked only a few feet away from where the [repair] work was carried out.
“Sometimes they would put the asbestos on a conveyor belt and it would be sent along with other materials - even the men who did the repair work were not given protective clothing.”
SCA Euroliner Ltd only settled the case last week, two days before it was due to go to court.
o This was not the first time the mill had attracted publicity locally for contamination.
In 1992 it hit local headlines when several workers from its boiler room were checked after one member of staff was diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. No legal action was taken.
In 1995, scientists confirmed mercury was also present at the mill.
