Ton of asbestos dumped in Cumbrian lay-by

A council in west Cumbria has condemned fly-tippers who dumped nearly a ton of asbestos in a lay-by.

The incident happened in Cop Lane near Thornhill, and took seven members of Copeland Borough Council's street cleaning team a day to clear it, which the council say was at the taxpayers' expense.

The authority say they would like anyone with information to come forward.

Fly-tipping is illegal, and offenders can face a fine of up to £50,000.

Asbestos is hazardous, and use of it as a building material is now banned in many countries. Inhalation of the fibres can lead to various lung conditions, including asbestosis and cancer.

The borough council posted their findings on Facebook.

Read more:

• Builder fined for fly-tipping outside visitors centre

• Campaign to keep streets of Carlisle clean launched

• Fly-tipping causing problems in Dumfries and Galloway