COUNCILLORS unanimously threw out plans to store asbestos at a waste site in the heart of a Hampshire village.

More than 20 residents turned up to voice their concerns about the proposal to temporarily hold toxic material on their doorsteps.

They leapt out of their seats and applauded as the decision was announced at a Fawley Parish Council meeting.

Solent Environmental Services wanted to install a large skip as an asbestos waste transfer station at its headquarters in Holbury.

But speaking at the packed meeting Fawley parish councillor Allan Grass said residents believe the killer fibres would be too close to homes, a popular school route and almost next door to a Co-op where hundreds of people shop.

Cllr Grass gave an emotional two-page speech voicing residents’ worries and he said it was the first time in 18 years as a parish councillor he had seen such a response from the public.

He said: “People stood up and gave a standing ovation. It is something residents feel very passionately about. Some even leant across and shook my hand.”

He added: “My father-in-law died from asbestosis and it was like watching him drown. It was a long and painful death. People do not realise how dangerous and unpredictable asbestos can be.”

Company bosses insist the plan, to transfer the waste to the Long Lane depot at the end of each day and empty the six-tonne skip fortnightly, is safe.

Contracts manager Ian Chiddicks, said: “We are a company that has been in this business for more than 20 years.

“There is minimal risk to people or property. All the asbestos will be double bagged and kept in a locked skip.”

The matter will now be discussed by Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council.