CAMPAIGNERS claim York’s asbestos timebomb is still ticking away as the city approaches 2011.

The York Asbestos Support Group said that although asbestos was no longer used in construction or manufacturing in the UK, York would continue to live with its legacy for many years.

Foundar and chairwoman Kim Daniells said it was still receiving inquiries from people diagnosed with Mesothelioma -a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos dust – who have previously worked in a wide range of industries including the power industry and the former York Carriagewoks.

But in the last few months, it had also dealt with a number of queries on behalf of individuals who had suffered the loss of a loved one where there was the suggestion that asbestos exposure might have been implicated in their health problems.

She said: “Sadly, there is often a lack of clear medical evidence about the cause of health problems and family members may have little information about the deceased’s work history.

“The bereaved who may be elderly and in frail health themselves can be faced with a coroner’s inquest to try to establish the cause of death.

“We endeavour to support all those who approach us at this difficult time.”

She said the group was determined to do all it could to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and campaign for a better deal for those affected.

As associate members of the Forum of Asbestos Support Groups, it could also lend its voice to colleagues across the UK and the world.

“The forum has recently been campaigning against the continued mining and export of asbestos by Canada,” she said.

“It continues to campaign on a variety of issues affecting those harmed by asbestos including entitlement to benefits and access to information regarding insurers.”

She said the support group also made donations to organis-ations researching mesothelioma to try to find an effective treatment for the condition, and it planned to mark Action Mesothelioma Day on July 1.