Fly-tippers dump rubbish – feared to include the asbestos – in farmland near Harborough

Fly-tippers have dumped a load of rubbish – feared to include the asbestos – in beautiful rolling farmland near Market Harborough.

The culprits have piled the waste in a field on the edge of the historic village of Lubenham.

A furious villager who came across the rubbish while walking his dog on the ancient Undle trail said dangerous asbestos had also been tipped at the local beauty spot.

And he warned that children who often play at the site may now be exposed to the material.

“I live in Lubenham and whilst walking my dog up the Undle track to the north of the village I encountered this mess dumped on the lane.

“There was old timber, builders rubble and debris and much worse asbestos.

“This is toxic waste which can cause cancer and other serious diseases if handled.

“Children play in this area. Whoever did this was totally thoughtless, irresponsible and committed an outrageous criminal offence.”

Cllr Paul Bremner, the Harborough councillor for Lubenham, said: “This is wholly unacceptable.

“I am very concerned to hear that asbestos may have been among the rubbish blatantly tipped near Lubenham.”

Calling for immediate tough action, the angry Conservative councillor added: “We must go through this waste hunting for vital clues to track down and nail the offenders.

“Fly-tipping is a heinous offence and the people behind it must be caught and dealt with.”

A Harborough council spokesman said: “We are aware of this fly-tip which is on private land.

“We have been in contact with the landowner with a view to them arranging removal of this rubbish at the soonest opportunity.”