Northampton resident ‘exasperated’ as ‘asbestos’ materials fly-tipped nearly a month ago still not removed

A resident has been left ‘exasperated’ by the lack of urgency to remove or implement safety measures around illegally fly-tipped asbestos materials.

Several broken-down roofing materials were dumped in an access road off Barry Road, Abington on October 7.

The illegal waste, which could include asbestos and could be dangerous to the public, was reported to Northampton Borough Council more than once.

More than a week later, the materials had not been removed, so the incident was reported to the council once again.

Between October 27 and 28, several more potentially hazardous roofing materials were fly-tipped on the same access road, which the resident says is ‘often used as a shortcut by members of the public and school pupils’.

The second incident was reported shortly after it was found and the original dumped waste was reported again at the same time.

Nearly a month on from the first fly-tipping incident, on Wednesday (November 4), the resident was told by the council that all cases were closed by its waste management company, Veolia, due to ‘health and safety’ concerns.

She was also told that the company does not deal with asbestos and that the case has been referred to the Environment Department, which has 14 days to investigate, but the removal of the materials could take longer due to lockdown.

The resident said: “The road is used every day by pupils, and they are walking within a metre or so of the carcinogenic material.

“Asbestos is absolutely lethal, causes cancer, and is a controlled material. It should be disposed of properly and safely by licensed waste management companies.

"I know it needs to be moved by licensed people and I understand arrangements for that could be delayed during Covid, but the area should be cordoned off and signposts need to be put up.

"I want to warn local people and tell them and their children to stay away from it and I have contacted both the nearby schools.

“I'm thoroughly exasperated that my family is potentially being poisoned by this and the council will not act with the urgency it deserves."

The council says an investigation has started and the response may take 'longer than usual' due to additional precautions needed.

Councillor Mike Hallam, cabinet member for environment at Northampton Borough Council: “We are aware that anti-social behaviour in relation to fly-tipping of hazardous materials has taken place.

"We have already started an investigation into the incidents and are also working with our partners to resolve this through removal.

"Due to the nature of the hazardous materials involved and the need for additional precautions, this will take longer than our usual response.

“We thank the individual who brought this to our attention and would like to reiterate that reports of anti-social behaviour such as this are followed up and investigated by council officers."

Councillor Hallam encourages anyone who has any information in relation to the incidents to report if through the council's website or over the phone.

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