THE family of a former Quarry Bank brick layer who died of mesothelioma want answers about where he was exposed to the deadly dust.

Leslie Siviter, aged 82, was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer in August 2011, after suffering from breathing difficulties.

He died in November 2011.

Throughout his career, Mr Siviter, who later moved to Halesowen, worked for several companies across the West Midlands from 1961 to the early 1990s.

These included Frank Gadd, A & J Mucklow & Co Limited, Bruce Tipper Ltd and Dudley Council.

His family have now instructed law experts at Irwin Mitchell to help find answers as to when and where he was exposed.

Together they are appealing to his ex- colleagues to get in touch as they may hold vital evidence about the presence of asbestos and working conditions throughout his work history.

Iain Shoolbred, who is representing the family, said: “Leslie’s family are devastated to have lost him in such tragic circumstances and understandably they want answers as to how this could happen and whether more could have been done to protect him from being exposed to asbestos.

“We’re keen to speak to anybody who worked with Mr Siviter during his career as a bricklayer at any of the companies listed as we believe they may hold vital evidence about the presence of asbestos and the working conditions he faced."

He added: “Mesothelioma is an industrial illness for which there is sadly no cure. Knowledge of the risks associated with asbestos exposure were well known during the time that Mr Siviter worked with it, yet many workers were not warned of the dangers.

"His family want to know why more wasn’t done at the time to protect him whilst he was at work against the deadly asbestos dust so we can get some justice.”

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Shoolbred on 0121 214 5446.