RE your report concerning the asbestos danger at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland (Echo, Aug 24).
I was astounded by the comments attributed to Rod Searl, representing Wear Valley District Council in the case heard at Darlington Magistrates' Court, that none of the senior officers who were responsible for ignoring the information provided in 2001 regarding the finding of the asbestos were able to appear in court because they had since left the authority.
Why should that stop those responsible being taken to task for their actions?
Why should they not appear in court to explain why they apparently deliberately concealed information which had a potential adverse effect on the health of others?
Why should these "former senior officers" now not be named?
The £18,000 fine imposed on the council (to be paid indirectly no doubt by council tax payers) indicates the severity of the incident.
Why should these "former senior officers" now not pay the fine from their own pockets?
I think it is time for people to face the consequences of their actions.
Keith Bell, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.
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