THERE have been four cases of fly-tipped asbestos in East Devon in the past 10 days. East Devon District Council's REACT team have cleared asbestos roofing material at Shute Hill Woods, Woodbury Common, Streamers Meadow, Honiton, and near Farringdon.

THERE have been four cases of fly-tipped asbestos in East Devon in the past 10 days. East Devon District Council's REACT team have cleared asbestos roofing material at Shute Hill Woods, Woodbury Common, Streamers Meadow, Honiton, and near Farringdon. Said an EDDC spokesman: "The fly-tipping of asbestos poses a danger to the public and to the council staff who have to clear it. It is also very expensive to dispose of - the four fly-tips cleared by EDDC have cost the taxpayer over �2,000." Penalties for fly-tipping are severe - up to two years in prison or a fine up to �50,000 or both - to reflect the seriousness of offences such as these recent asbestos fly-tips. To help prevent fly-tipping, anyone having asbestos removed from their property has a legal duty to check it is being collected and disposed of properly by a registered company - this can be done by checking with the Environment Agency. If anyone has any information relating to any of the fly-tips, they should contact REACT. "Assistance from the public is vital in catching those responsible for fly-tipping," said the council.