Asbestos problems in Broadfield

1.19.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 10th Feb 2007

Asbestos bags in Broadfield, Crawley - piled up in street

As a result of speedy action by Broadfield South Lib Dem Councillor Marcella Head bags of highly dangerous waste asbestos were cleared after being left lying on a public path in the middle of Broadfield.

Although the asbestos waste looked to be correctly bagged there was also loose asbestos around. That loose asbestos had the potential to be a real risk to anybody inhaling it.

Asbestos bags in Broadfield, Crawley - close up

Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, attach themselves to the inside of the lungs and reduce the lung capacity. This can lead to Asbestosis that has been responsible for so many deaths over the years. It is a recognised industrial hazard and it was for that reason legislation was introduced over 30 years ago to control it's use and disposal.

Marcella's speedy action resulted in the Borough Council collecting the asbestos for safe removal within half hour of her 'phone call. The Borough Council then arranged for a clean up of the site and safe disposal.