Asbestos dumped next to football club

An investigation has revealed that an area of potential public open space beside the new home of AFC Totton is contaminated with two types of the cancer-causing substance.

It is thought to have been dumped on the site in Salisbury Road, Totton, by fly-tippers illegally disposing of construction waste.

A report commissioned by council chiefs says some of the fragments and fibres found on the land are brown asbestos – one of the most dangerous forms of the substance.

It adds: “Asbestos was detected in many locations across the site and one may presume that fly-tipping was widespread.

“It’s not possible to say that any part of the site is free from contamination.”

Totton and Eling Town Council is calling for the land to be made safe.

Councillor David Harrison said: “Someone has committed a heinous environmental crime which should be investigated by the police and the environment Agency.

“Those responsible for dumping hazardous material should be hunted down, prosecuted and made to pay.”

The land is owned by Linden Homes Southern, which built AFC Totton’s new ground as part of a multi-million-pound plan to provide the town with new homes and sports facilities.

A company spokesman said: “A low level (0.1 per cent) of asbestos has been found in localised spots.

“We are currently drawing up a plan with the local authority and this will be dealt with in accordance with their requirements.”

AFC Totton spokesman Paul Maiden said: “All we’ve heard so far is an initial statement saying that asbestos has been found on the site.

“My understanding is that it’s only dangerous if the land is disturbed.”

The site, which has been fenced off, is currently at the centre of a row between two local authorities.

Town councillors say it has been earmarked as public open space following a public inquiry, but New Forest District Council wants it to be used as employment land.

A district council spokesman said the authority would consider any representations.