RMT and TfL in Row over Safety at Hammersmith Station
TfL Accuses union of "scaremongering"
The RMT trade union is calling for Hammersmith Station to be closed because it claims there is a risk of anthrax and asbestos being found in the building.
In response, TfL is accusing the union of scaremongering.
The station bar, formerly El Metro, is currently being refurbished and in the process, the old plaster has been found to contain horsehair - a constituent that in rare cases can carry anthrax spores.
TfL says it has sent off samples for further examination, and the area is boarded off in the meantime as a precaution. Meanwhile the station, which is the western end of the Hammersmith and City Line, remains open.
RMT leader Bob Crow claims TfL's response is inadequate, and has called for the entire station to be shut down, calling says it is potentially an "extremely dangerous situation".
TfL dismisses this claim. A spokesman says: " 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."
November 25, 2009
