On 28th August 2007, the Yorkshire Post reported that fly-tippers have dumped tonnes of potentially dangerous asbestos in the car park of one of the region's most heavily used woods.
The Forestry Commission is anticipating a bill running into thousands of pounds to have the asbestos sheeting, estimated to weigh about six tonnes, from a car park at Wharncliffe Wood, between Sheffield and Barnsley.
Money spent on that operation will have to be diverted from other projects aimed at improving the area.
The material was dumped in the car park at night and although the sheeting is not an immediate threat to public health, environmental health experts have advised the Forestry Commission that specialist contractors will be needed to dispose of it safely.Asbestos is a building material widely used in postwar structures which poses no risk while left untouched, but if broken or sawn releases dust which can eventually cause lung cancer if inhaled.
The Forestry Commission says it must have been carried in a substantial tipper lorry.The surrounding woodland is very popular with walkers, horse riders and cyclists and is also a haven for wildlife.
The Commission is determined the culprits should be prosecuted and police have been informed, although very few of those to blame for fly-tipping in the region have been prosecuted in recent years.
The Yorkshire Post revealed earlier this summer that councils in the region had spent £7m clearing up after illegal tippers in the last three years, although only one case in every 1,000 had led to a prosecution.
Sheffield – the worst area in Yorkshire with 257,793 cases of tipping recorded in three years – spent about £600,000 a year clearing up the mess. The council has now invested in covert CCTV equipment to help monitor activity at known trouble spots for tipping and expects an increase in enforcement action against offenders. Hull Council spent £868,965 over three years on cleaning up while Leeds Council spent £859,352.
To read the full account please click on the link below:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Asbestos-tipped-at-popular-
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