A GAS fitter who is suffering from a terminal cancer is demanding £300,000 from his former employer.

Jack Reeves, 60, of Wylie Road, Hoo, near Rochester, has launched a legal battle for compensation, after developing malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissues surrounding his lungs or abdomen, according to a writ issued in London’s High Court.

Mr Reeves is suing Scotia Gas Networks, of Perth, whose predecessors he blames for his disease.

His condition was diagnosed in December 2003, and in July this year he was told he probably had less than a year to live, with a small chance of surviving a little longer, and a greater change of dying sooner.

Mr Reeves claims to have been exposed to large amounts of deadly asbestos dust and fibres when he worked as an apprentice gas fitter for the company between 1961 and 1964, the writ says.

He worked in domestic houses, fitting asbestos flues to water heaters, and cutting up asbestos with a hacksaw or file.

He also fitted asbestos fire surrounds to the back of gas fires, and removed old asbestos flues and asbestos fire surrounds which would often break up during removal, the court will hear.

Mr Reeves says as a result of his work, he has developed malignant mesothelioma, and has been unable to work since November, 2005, when he first noticed symptoms including chest pain and breathlessness.

He has taken the first steps in his legal battle for damages by issuing a writ which has been assigned to procedural judge Master Whitaker, who will decide how the case should go ahead and what evidence is needed.

He claims the company was negligent and in breach of statutory duty, and exposed him to a major risk of fatal injury, failed to provide him with breathing apparatus, and failed to warn him of the risks he ran.

The company also negligently failed to provide him with a safe system of work, it is claimed.