The asbestos will have to be cleared by a specialist contractor

Maidstone Borough Council said it is one of the worst cases of fly tipping in the area for several years.

The council closed Steps Hill Road, Stockbury after the material was dumped last Friday and will have to hire specialist contractors to clear it.

"The council's hit squads normally clear fly tipping within a day but this will take longer," said a spokesman.

The council is appealing for information from the public to try to catch the fly tippers.

"As usual Maidstone council will have to clear up the mess," said Malcolm Robertson, cabinet member for the environment.

"It costs so much money that it's in everyone's interests that the perpetrators of these selfish and dangerous crimes are caught."