CRIMINALS fly-tipping hazardous asbestos in Sedgemoor are being targeted in a drive by Somerset Waste Partnership and Sedgemoor District Council.

Council officers are to undergo a course to train them in identifying asbestos, safely removing it and finding the criminals who dumped it in the first place.

Asbestos is among a wide range of risky materials dumped in the Sedgemoor countryside, from chemicals to medical waste.

Nick Cater of Somerset Waste Partnership said: “Over the years we have seen pretty much everything under the sun being dumped and it is something that we take incredibly seriously.

“Commercial traders in particular will be offering services to people and then just dumping waste in a lay-by.

“If you don’t have the morality not to fly tip you probably don’t care about the types of hazardous materials you are dumping in the countryside either.”

Before its health hazards were fully understood, asbestos was widely used for many purposes, from construction to insulation.

Today’s demolition, rebuilding and home improvements are turning up asbestos in roofs, floor tiles, storage heaters and certain types of cement.

In a statement a Somerset Waste Partnership spokesperson said: “These criminals may seem helpful and reassuring but they con clients out of cash by pretending to correctly get rid of asbestos.

“When they fly-tip asbestos they put the public at risk, dump clear-up costs on council tax payers, and their clients may end in court for failing in their duty of care.”

When looking to dispose of asbestos Somerset Waste Partnership advises people to consult an expert before starting any removal, note traders’ names, contacts and vehicle details and ask to see their waste carrier licence.

For details about disposing of asbestos and fighting fly-tipping visit somersetwaste.gov.uk