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Asbestos investigation delays clearing of rubbish dumped along Parsonage Lane, Bobbing
16:56, 03 October 2023
updated: 16:59, 03 October 2023
Building material and leaking oil drums fly-tipped along a country lane are still there while investigators check whether there is asbestos in the waste too.
Stella Artois beer cans were also amongst the rubbish illegally dumped in Parsonage Lane in Sittingbourne, just off Sheppey Way in Bobbing.
Mick Connor spotted the mess, which was blocking part of a road, on Wednesday, September 27.
He said: “The oil drums are another story. They’re leaking out all over the place.”
At the time Mick, who lives nearby, said it wasn’t the first time he had seen fly-tipping in the area.
He said: “There are loads of incidents of this sort of thing in the country lanes around the back of Bobbing.
“Since the tips started charging to take domestic waste like bricks and soil I think there has been an increase in it.”
The jogger reported the fly-tipping to the council several times and noted it was still there on Sunday, October 1.
A spokesman for Swale council explained that when fly-tipping is reported to the authority, waste management firm Biffa is instructed to clear it.
They said: “This clean-up is estimated to cost £215.
"They [Biffa] are currently investigating whether there is asbestos present which would delay removal and increase costs.
“Sadly, some selfish individuals see our rural country lanes as dumping grounds, but we are continuing to work hard to tackle fly-tipping, and we investigate every incident to try to track down and prosecute those responsible.
“We regularly monitor hotspot areas and are using more cameras to try to identify those who dump their waste.
“We also regularly work with local police to check vehicles suspected of illegally carrying waste.
“If you witness a waste-related crime in action, please call 999.”
You can report any fly-tipping on the council’s website or by calling 01795 417 850.