Bill Williams worked at the mill from 1974 to 2003
Relatives of a Maesteg factory worker, who died two years ago after developing an asbestos-related disease, are urging anyone who worked with him at Bridgend Paper Mill to provide evidence of asbestos come forward to help support a legal claim.
Bill Williams was 74 years old when he died of mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer.
He worked at the Bridgend Paper Mill from 1974 to 2003, under the employment of British Tissues Ltd and, subsequently, Jamont UK Ltd. He worked mainly on rewinder machinery, which converted tissue paper into sheets and rolls before it was packed and shipped for distribution.
Bill Williams during his working days
Mr Williams’ wife, Beti, and his sons Alun and Rhys, believe he was exposed to asbestos during this time and have turned to Llanelli-based asbestos specialists J.M. Parsons & Co for legal help.
Rhys Williams said: “My dad dedicated his career to the mill but we fear it was that job that caused him to develop this horrendous disease.
“We are calling on anyone who remembers working with my dad, or was at the mill between 1974 to 2003, to come forward if they have evidence of asbestos use on site – this may help finally answer the questions we’ve been asking for the last two years.”
Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos and often develops decades after exposure. According to the Health and Safety Executive, mesothelioma killed 2,446 people in Great Britain in 2018.
J.M. Parsons & Co is operated by Thompsons Solicitors, a social justice law firm that paved the way for asbestos litigation in the UK ever since it brought about the first successful asbestos disease claim to the House of Lords in 1972.
Amanda Jones, the solicitor supporting the family, added: “We would be grateful to hear from anyone who remembers working alongside Bill, or alternatively from anyone who worked at Bridgend Paper Mill throughout the 1970s, 1980s and beyond.
“Any individuals who come forward will be invaluable to Mr Williams’ family, as they may be able to add important information that will assist us in building a legal claim on the family’s behalf.”
Anyone with information should contact Amanda Jones at J.M. Parsons and Co Solicitors on 01554 779940, or via email at amanda@jmplaw.co.uk.
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