PARENTS are furious after up to 20 tonnes of “potentially hazardous waste” were dumped at a primary school drop-off point.
The material, which is said to be potentially contaminated with asbestos, was unloaded overnight last week in a beauty spot car park next to St Peters primary school in Brentwood, Essex.
The pile could contain as much as 20 tonnes of illegally dumped wasteSupplied
People have been urged to stay clearSupplied
Brentwood borough councillor and leader of the Conservative Group, Will Russell, reported the mess at the now-closed South Weald country park car park to Essex County Council.
He estimated there could between 15 and 20 tonnes of deposited landfill waste, EssexLive reported.
A sign on the mound from Explore Essex which looks after the country park says: “Potentially hazardous waste. Keep clear.”
A statement from the headteacher Iain Gunn warned parents that the drop-off area will remain closed until the mess has been removed.
“The council need to use specialist contractors and the estimated cost is between £9k and £12K as there could be asbestos in the rubbish,” he said.
“There is also a tree across the path that will have to be cleared. Please take extra care around school as there will be more cars- please be sensible about where you park.”
Essex County Council is working with Safer Brentwood to ensure any future risk of fly tipping is wiped out.
A spokesperson said: “We are working with specialists to remove the large fly tip in Weald Country Park and dispose of it responsibly.
“We appreciate residents’ patience while this is carried out.
“We are also working with Safer Brentwood to try and prevent future occurrences of fly tipping in the area.
“There is never any justification for fly tipping. It is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution.”
Brentwood Council have announced plans to launch a fly-tipping “response team” after the town experienced a spike in the number of illegal waste deposits in the last 24 months – from 687 to 1,359.
Councillor Russell said: “Fly tipping has long posed a significant challenge for Local Authorities, land owners, and the general public. Rarely do we encounter an incident of such immense scale and magnitude.
“The infuriating aspect of this particular occurrence is that it has desecrated a cherished beauty spot, fuelling widespread anger and frustration.
“It is evident that these materials were never intended for recycling and may even be linked to organised crime.
“Rest assured, I am firmly resolved to collaborate closely with Brentwood and Essex Council, as well as all relevant organisations, to pro-actively address and overcome this pressing issue.”
SuppliedCouncillor Will Russell says the incident could be linked to organised crime[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
