MORE than £2.7m has been set aside by two Teesside councils to deal with expected asbestosis-related claims, according to reports.

Workers were exposed to the deadly asbestos dust for decades and claims have been rising in recent years.

According to reports Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has earmarked £2.5m to deatl with industrial claims this year and Middlesbrough Borough Council has set aside £252,000.

Stockton Borough Council does have a fund but figures have not yet been made available.

Local authorities have been told money must be made available following decisions made by the High Court.

Previously authorities could rely on the Municipal Mutual Insurance company, which insured councils for industrial claims. However that company has now gone bust and local authorities must now find the money themselves.

A total of 17 former employees are suing Redcar and Cleveland Council after developing mesothelioma, the cancer associated with asbestos.

Private companies are also facing a bill for new claims. The Northern TTUC Asbestos Support and Campaign Group said 2,500 new cases develop in the UK every year. Beth Farhat, Northern TUC secretary, said: “While money won’t buy back sufferers’ health, it is only right they are provided with the means to have some quality of life.”

The support group can be contacted by emailing Maggie.Bailey@tadea-uk.com