Lives being put at risk
Published 12 Jun 2012 11:30
FLY-tippers who dumped deadly asbestos sheets on the streets of Inchinnan have been slated as "idiots" for putting lives at risk.
Anxious householders at Allands Avenue reported the abandonment of large sheets of asbestos amid health fears for the area's youngsters.
Homeowners registered two complaints involving sheets of the toxic material with Erskine and Inchinnan Councillor Sam Mullin.
The asbestos, which is believed to have been stripped from a garage roof, was dumped between private lock-ups in the area frequented with children and local families.
Cllr Mullin who branded the behaviour both "irresponsible" and "dangerous" is urging residents to be on the look out for the culprits.
Renfrewshire Council cleansing teams have removed the dangerous substance - classed as "special waste." Asbestos removal has to be handled by professionals due to effects of coming into contact with it.
Cllr Mullin said: "I can't quite believe that some people would have the gall to dump asbestos in a residential area like that.
"I suspect it's probably the additional cost of getting someone out to go through the procedure of removing it properly is what is making them take it out and dump it.
"It does not give them the right to do this and put people at risk like that."
Asbestos was widely used in insulation for roofing and pipes as well as in fire resistant material.
However, it was discovered small fibres which became disturbed when the material is touched trigger a host of potentially fatal diseases.
Building with asbestos is now banned across Europe - and anyone caught illegally dumping it faces a fine of up to £10,000.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said:"Clearly there are established procedures for safely disposing of asbestos and we vigorously pursue those who dump the material illegally.
"In these cases, we will arrange the removal of the asbestos from where it is dumped.
"We'd urge anyone who has information on illegal dumping to come forward and report that to us."
Anyone with any information can contact Renfrew Police Office on 0141 532 6100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This article appeared in The Gazette 12 Jun 12
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