Discovery of asbestos in fly-tip sparks Chichester District Council appeal

After receiving a report of fly tipping between Aldsworth and Racton, the district council’s street cleaning team visited the site, where they found asbestos.

“Where asbestos is found, we have to use specialist contractors to remove it and this work was due to be carried out on Tuesday,” a Chichester District Council spokesperson said.

“We would like to appeal to the public for any information that they may have about this incident, for example they may recognise some of the items. If anyone does have information then they can contact us confidentially at 01243 785166.”

Lindy Shillingford, who lives near Walderton, reported the incident to the council.

She said fly-tipping ‘happens all the time’ in the area, adding: “Sometimes it’s every week, sometimes a few months go past.

“It is a real big problem around here. It’s really annoying.

“There’s also a safety issue. You don’t want to start moving it and touching it in case it is toxic.”

Lindy, who noticed the latest fly-tip whilst taking her children to school on Monday, said people have also recently ‘dumped loads of rubbish’ into the River Ems.

“There were bin bags, a sofa, old baby’s car seats,” she said. “It’s just disgusting. I’ve seen industrial fridge freezers, cookers and sofas dumped at Stoughton.

“It’s such a shame and makes you feel quite ill.

"We are a bit fed up with it. You got to bed at night hoping it doesn’t happen again."

Lindy said the problem could be solved by making it free, or least cheaper, to legally dump commercial waste.

“I understand how expensive it is to take this stuff to the tip," she said.

“I don’t know why the council don’t make it free for people to dump stuff. We are all very frustrated around here. It seems so shortsighted."

The district council said it continues to urge people to check the details of any waste carrier that they are considering using on the Environment Agency’s website.

The spokesperson added: "We also urge people to get a waste transfer note from the company that they are using.

"People don’t need to be afraid to ask, this is the company’s legal responsibility.

"We also have advice about checking a potential waste carrier on our website at www.chichester.gov.uk/againstflytipping

"We’re also keen to remind tradespeople about their responsibilities. If your company collects, carries or disposes of waste, you need to be registered with the Environment Agency.

"We have designed a publicity pack for licensed waste carriers to use, including a sticker and logo to show that they are licensed.

"Businesses can find out more here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/licensedwastecarrier."