A “disgusting” pile of hazardous asbestos has been illegally dumped at a scenic location in Wiltshire, prompting authorities to launch an urgent appeal for witnesses.
The “dangerous” waste was discovered by a member of the public at Monument Hill near Devizes, situated between the villages of Etchilhampton and Stert.
Council officers who examined the site found sheets of asbestos alongside a hi-fi system and glass panes.
The location sits at the western edge of the Vale of Pewsey, right on the boundary of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Investigators believe the fly-tipping took place during the night of Monday, January 19.
Wiltshire Council has warned that clearing the hazardous material safely will require “significant” expenditure, adding to the environmental damage already caused.
Councillor Martin Smith, who serves as the local cabinet member for highways, condemned the incident.
“It’s disgusting that someone should dump this dangerous waste in a beauty spot,” he said.
A “disgusting” pile of hazardous asbestos has been illegally dumped at a scenic location in Wiltshire, prompting authorities to launch an urgent appeal for witnesses
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WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
“If you know anyone who has had asbestos removed from their property recently, or you witnessed any suspicious behaviour at this bridleway, please do get in touch.
“Someone must recognise this waste, particularly as it includes a hi-fi system and other waste.
“If we can find who has dumped this dangerous waste, we will take legal action.”
Wiltshire Council is offering a reward of up to £200 in high street shopping vouchers for anyone whose information leads to a conviction or fixed penalty notice.
Councillor Martin Smith vowed to ‘take legal action’ if they are to catch the culprit
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WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
The authority has stressed that all tip-offs will be treated in complete confidence.
Cllr Smith made clear the council is actively pursuing fly-tippers across the county as part of a wider crackdown.
“We will now have to spend significant sums safely clearing up this dangerous asbestos waste, which makes us even more determined to catch whoever did this,” he said.
The bridleway where the waste was dumped is officially designated ETCH7.
Anyone with information about this incident can report it through the My Wilts online portal or by calling 0300 456 0100.
The council is particularly keen to hear from anyone who noticed unusual activity in the area on the night in question.