Essex farmer refuses to remove dumped asbestos

17 September 2007

A SOUTH Fambridge, Essex farmer is refusing to remove a ton of asbestos that fly-tippers dumped on his land because it would cost him thousands of pounds.

David Gibbon's only option is to pay a specialist handler £3,000 to remove the asbestos. Otherwise the Environment Agency will prosecute him.

The potentially deadly asbestos was left on Mr Gibbon's land at South Fambridge, near Southend.

He said he had no intention of moving it and demanded a change in the law.

"The best quote I have had so far is £3,000 to have it moved. But if I move it, who is to say that in two days’ time I get another load put here. It could cost me another £3,000. Will I have to pay for ever?"

The Environment Agency said: "We have sympathy with David Gibbon and any landowner that finds themselves a victim of fly-tipping.

"Mr Gibbon did the right thing in contacting the Environment Agency.”

However, the spokesperson added: "The law states that it is the landowner's responsibility to see to its safe disposal."

Landowners' representatives believe the law needs changing.

Jane Burch of the Country Land and Business Association said: "As the cost of waste disposal goes up, more and more waste is illegally disposed of on private land.

"We would like to see a change in the law so at least hazardous waste is not charged to the landowner and is dealt with by the local authority or the Environment Agency at the cost to the public purse."

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