THE widow of a former district councillor who died of asbestos-related cancer has secured a six figure settlement from Durham County Council.

Ann Westgarth, 68, of Blackhill, Consett, instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell pursue the case after her late husband, Tony died aged 69 in October 2011 from mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.

Mr Westgarth, a member of the former Derwentside District Council, believed he was exposed to asbestos while working as a joiner for the old Consett Urban District Council between 1968 and 1969 and at John Roxby Surtees Limited, where he worked from 1971 to 1973.

Durham County Council, which took over from the urban district and Derwentside councils admitted a breach of duty, while John Roxby Surtees Limited, where Mr Westgarth refurbished prefabricated buildings, is no longer trading.

A number of his former workmates came forward to provide vital information in the case.

Isobel Lovett, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: “Tony worked as a joiner for a number of years and spent a lot of time cutting materials made of asbestos, which caused him to inhale dust and fibres.

“Unfortunately, his employer failed to inform him of the risks of asbestos and failed to provide him with the equipment required to protect him from the risks of the deadly substance.

She said it was important to remember victims like Mr Westgarth on Workers’ Memorial Day tomorrow (Tuesday, April 28th) and to encourage companies to take steps to improve the way that asbestos is dealt with.

Mrs Westgarth said : “We would like to thank Tony’s former work colleagues who came forward with the critical information needed to secure damages for us, which puts my mind at ease about my future.”

“While no amount of money will make up for the loss, I know that Tony would have been so happy that those responsible for his condition have now been held to account for their failings.

“We would hope his case acts as a reminder of the dangers asbestos poses to workers and that safety standards have now been improved and people are being better protected in today’s working environment.”

Durham County Council declined to comment.