A FORMER Crewe railway worker has received a ‘substantial payout’ after he developed fatal cancer mesothelioma while employed at the town’s locomotive works.

Former union official Dennis Jones, 82, has been compensated for the asbestos disease he developed while at Crewe Railway Works.

He is one of many railway workers from Crewe to be exposed to asbestos and the town has a high numbers of mesothelioma sufferers.

Mr Jones was first exposed to asbestos when he was just 16 years old and has now received an undisclosed sum after developing mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs.

Mr Jones was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice for Crewe Locomotive Works from 1945.

He went on to become a full-time union official for Amicus, now part of Unite the Union.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July this year after attending his GP complaining of breathlessness.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, which can take decades to develop and is only caused by exposure to asbestos.

The grandfather of six and great grandfather of one said he knew immediately that his illness had been caused by his work as a teenager.

Following his diagnosis he contacted Unite, which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation. Thompsons successfully finalised the claim in under five months.

Mr Jones said: “I was shocked and devastated when I was given the news. Many of my former workmates have passed away from asbestos related disease.

“As a retired trade union official I thought of the union first when deciding where to turn for advice.

“I decided to claim compensation so that my wife is provided for in the future. I was impressed with how quickly everything was managed.”

Paul Finegan, regional secretary at Unite, added: “Unite stepped in immediately to help this long-standing member and former official in his time of need.

“Sadly too many of our members as a result of their negligent exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

“The union’s free legal service is available to all our current and retired members who develop asbestos related illness.”

Joanne Keen, from Thompsons Solicitors, added: “We have built up specialist experience over decades from dealing with claims against British Rail’s Crewe Works.”