Union calls for 'contaminated' station to be closed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A leading union today called for a busy Tube station to be closed after claiming it had possibly been contaminated with anthrax and asbestos.
The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said there was a "potentially extremely dangerous situation" at Hammersmith station in West London.
Transport for London (TfL) accused the union of scaremongering and insisted there was no risk to passengers or staff.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said staff had been told that potential traces of anthrax and asbestos had been found during refurbishment of a bar at the station, which serves the District, Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City lines.
Samples were currently being tested, the area had been boarded up and secured and staff had been told not to enter, said Mr Crow.
The union leader said in an email to London Underground (LU): "I have seen the email regarding the possible anthrax and asbestos contamination at Hammersmith.
"RMT health and safety reps have raised with me the inadequacy of the response from LU to this potentially extremely dangerous situation.
"I am emailing to request that the station be closed to avoid any potential risk to passengers or staff until such time as your checks and tests have been concluded."
A Transport for London spokesman said: "Anthrax has not been found at Hammersmith station, we have simply sent some very old horse hair building materials off for testing.
"This is standard industry practice and is a requirement of building regulations. Nonetheless we are being very cautious and the premises have been sealed off to staff and the public.
"To suggest that this site represents a risk to customers or staff is simply scaremongering."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments