TEN tonnes of deadly asbestos and potentially dangerous chemicals have been dumped in the Hampshire countryside in a series of incidents.

Cancer-causing asbestos and drums of unidentified chemicals have been left lying at rural spots across Test Valley, in one case at a reservoir.

While some of the poisonous sheets of the fire-resistant material have been left in the bags and open to the elements, other scraps are left lying on the ground.

Environmental health bosses have also had to remove several blue barrels of chemicals left at the scene.

It is not known what the chemicals are but all have all been removed by a waste collection firm.

A spokesman from Test Valley Borough Council said: “There are no hazard symbols on the chemical drums but we cannot be sure what is in them.

"The company that removes the asbestos also removes the chemical drums.”

Now witnesses are urged to come forward following the spate of fly-tipping incidents in Broughton, West Tytherley and King’s Somborne on several separate occasions since January.

Environmental health bosses were called to deal with the following incidents:

l Rockery Lane, Broughton, January 14, one tonne bag and loose asbestos;

l Stoney Batter Lane, West Tyhtherley, January 14, two tonne bags and loose asbestos;

l Ashley Manor, near King’s Somborne, March 11, four tonne bags and six blue barrels of chemicals;

l Beech Tree Walk, Broughton, April 7, one tonne bag;

l Roman Road, Broughton Reservoir, April 8, two tonne bags and loose asbestos and two blue barrels;

l Broughton Hill, Broughton, April 7, one blue barrel.

l Queen’s Wood Road, Broughton, April

The council spokesman said officers are convinced that that the offenders are the same person.

They put this down to the fact that the loads have been left in the same type of builders’ bags and chemical drums on each occasion.

It is also not known how much it has cost the taxpayer to have the nasty materials removed.

Environmental portfolio holder, Cllrouncillor Graham Stallard, said: “Asbestos is a very dangerous substance which releases cancer-causing fibres into the air when damaged.

“I am hopeful that someone might have seen one or more of these incidents taking place, or a vehicle carrying the substance prior to it being dumped.

“Fly-tipping is illegal and dangerous, and asbestos requires a specialist contractor to remove it which also makes it very expensive to clear up," he added.

All reported fly-tipping incidents are investigated to help identify and prosecute those responsible.

Maximum penalties for those found guilty of fly-tipping include imprisonment and a fine of up to £50,000.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information they think might help to identify the culprits is asked to contact the Ccouncil’s Eenvironmental Sservice on 01264 368000.

They added that any communication received would be “treated in the very strictest confidence”.