STATION STAFF SHOW LEAD POISON SYMPTOMS

A TUC helpline has been set up following reports that more than 70 people working at a city train station may have developed lead poisoning after the roof was stripped of its old paint.

Seventy-two people have complained of lead poisoning symptoms since the start of the regeneration project at Liverpool's Lime Street station, union officials said. The alleged victims are mainly construction workers but also include shop and office staff from the station. Reported symptoms include extreme weight loss, difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, memory loss and impotence.

Merseyside TUC president Alec McFadden said he had taken up personal injury claims for 72 people who had worked at Lime Street. He said: "There are young lads in their 20s and 30s who act like old men. They have no energy, they can't concentrate, they have suffered impotence. Some of them are so thin they look like the images you see of concentration camp survivors. The figure so far is 72 but we get people coming to us every day. I would not be surprised if the final figure exceeds 100."

The TUC helpline number is 0500 501 123. A solicitor's helpline on 0800 015 6888 can also give advice.