A costly clean-up operation is under way after 12 large bags of asbestos were dumped illegally on a river bank, the BBC has reported.
The overflowing sacks, from several different builders’ merchants, were found near Manea in the Cambridgeshire Fens.
It is thought the waste will cost Fenland District Council several thousands of pounds to clear. A council spokeswoman said the scale and audacity of the crime is shocking.
The bags of asbestos – thought to weigh up to 12 tonnes – were found next to the river at Byall Fen Drove, where the Sixteen Foot Bank meets the Forty Foot Bank.
The spokeswoman added:
“Exposure to asbestos can also be a serious health hazard. We are working with our partners, including the Environment Agency, to investigate the incident, gather evidence and ensure the waste is removed as quickly as possible.
Witnesses are key to helping us identify who is responsible and we would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.
We are committed to catching those who fly-tip in our district and would urge people to report any such activity that appears suspicious.”