A WIDOW whose husband died from an asbestos-related cancer has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £150,000.

Jean Beeden's husband, Kenneth, died in hospital after developing the terminal disease malignant mesothelioma.

Now Mrs Beeden, of Croft Crescent, Leominster, is claiming damages from Nontradorm (70) Ltd, formerly Adhesive Tapes Ltd, of Redcliffe Street, Bristol.

She says Mr Beeden was exposed to deadly asbestos dusts and fibres when he worked for the company as an electrician's mate between 1959 and 1991.

He worked at premises in Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, close to laggers removing old asbestos lagging from pipes and machines and mixing up bags of asbestos powder, according to a High Court writ.

He also carried out repairs to machines close to pipes and ducts lagged with old, damaged and crumbling asbestos and walked over asbestos debris which crumbled to dust beneath his feet, the court is expected to hear.

Mr Beeden installed new machines and modified old ones, which also exposed him to asbestos dust, and worked near laggers who lagged boilers and pipe work with asbestos insulation when he wired up the boiler house and installed four boilers, the writ says.

He developed symptoms in October 2002, and died on May 28, 2003, aged 77, after his condition deteriorated.

He had endured various medical procedures and investigations and knew he was suffering from a fatal condition. He suffered a distressing and debilitating illness before his death.

The writ claims the company negligently failed to provide him with a respirator and protective clothing, failed to have a safe system of work, failed to monitor his death, failed to monitor dust levels, despite other staff contracting asbestos relating conditions, and unnecessarily exposed him to the risk of damage.

Mrs Beeden says her husband carried out gardening, DIY, decorating, and maintenance work around the house and managed the household administration and affairs.

He enjoyed woodworking, and drove her around before he became ill.