A FORMER Swindon railway worker has received a £50,000 payout after his health took a turn for the worse because of long-term asbestos exposure.

Harold White, of Matson in Gloucestershire, also obtained a court order, which will leave the door open for him to make future financial claims should his health deteriorate further.

Mr White obtained the damages against his former employers, British Rail, now under the control of the Secretary of State for Transport.

The family’s solicitor, Brigitte Chandler, of Swindon law firm and asbestos expert Charles Lucas & Marshall, said it was important in cases where people developed asbestosis to apply for provisional damages with the right to return to court to seek further legal redress.

“Mr White started feeling unwell in 2012 and was advised his illness was caused by his exposure to asbestos at British Rail,” she said.

“He now has the right to return to claim further damages should he develop cancer or other illnesses caused by asbestos. He was in good health until he started to develop breathlessness.”

Mr White worked for British Rail between 1942 and 1949. During the course of his employment he had to cycle around the Swindon works, delivering post to the various shops, where there was extensive asbestos.

At 15 he started an apprenticeship where he worked on locomotives which had asbestos bandages over the pipes to stop people burning themselves.

“This case shows how long it can take for asbestos related illnesses to develop,” said Mrs Chandler. “Anybody who is suffering from breathlessness and has been exposed to asbestos should seek advice from their GP.”

In December, a Swindon family received thousands of pounds from British Rail following the death of a former employee who spent more than 40 years working for the company.

Valentine Thomas died in 2011, aged 88, having contracted mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, which was only discovered after his death. It is thought he suffered from the disease after long-term exposure to asbestos at British Rail. In the final years of his life, Mr Thomas, of Avonmead, had to be nursed by his children and they were given £96,000 in compensation to cover the costs they incurred.

The Swindon and South West Asbestos Group provides free support and information. Call 01793 532995, email info@asbestosgroup.co.uk, or visit www.asbestosgroup.co.uk.