'Dangerous' asbestos waste dumped at beauty spot

A large amount of asbestos was dumped illegally at a beauty spot, leading to an appeal for help to track down the culprits.

The mound of hazardous waste, which included sheets of asbestos, a hi-fi and panes of glass, was found at Monument Hill near Devizes in Wiltshire.

It is thought the waste, which Wiltshire Council has said will cost a "significant" amount to clear, was dumped overnight on 19 January.

Councillor Martin Smith, said: "It's disgusting that someone should dump this dangerous waste in a beauty spot."

The fly-tip was found dumped between Etchilhampton and Stert, at the western end of the Vale of Pewsey on the edge of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Smith, cabinet member for highways, has appealed for anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward so the council can track down "these environmental criminals".

"If you know anyone who has had asbestos removed from their property recently, or you witnessed any suspicious behaviour at this bridleway, please do get in touch," he said.

"Someone must recognise this waste – particularly as it includes a hi-fi system and other waste."

He said the council is "targeting fly-tippers" across the county.

"If we can find who has dumped this dangerous waste, we will take legal action," he said.

"We will now have to spend significant sums safely clearing up this dangerous asbestos waste, which makes us even more determined to catch whoever did this."

Anyone with information that leads to a conviction will receive a £200 high street shopping voucher, the council added.

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