Pile of flytipped asbestos a 'risk to public health'

A large amount of material containing asbestos has been illegally dumped on a public bridleway, posing "a serious risk to public health".

North Somerset Council posted on social media that asbestos had been flytipped at Silver Moor Lane, in Banwell, alongside the river.

The council said it was the largest asbestos flytip the recycling and waste team had dealt with, and asked people to stay away from the site until it had been cleared as it was a danger. The incident is being investigated by police.

"We're arranging for specialist contractors to remove it safely," the council added. "This is a specialist job so will take a few days to get sorted. And it will cost around £2,500 of public money."

Companies or people clearing asbestos have to pay a fee to dispose of it responsibly, because of the risks involved.

"The company or individual that were paid to remove this load of asbestos have chosen to avoid those costs by flytipping illegally on a route that's popular with horse riders and walkers," the council added.

The council is appealing for witnesses who may have seen vehicles, people or suspicious activity in the area overnight between Monday and Tuesday.

"Please always check that anyone removing waste on your behalf has a valid waste carrier's licence and disposes of waste legally," the council urged.

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