POTENTIALLY hazardous building waste dumped in a quiet country lane is set to be cleared by council contractors – after almost four weeks. The rubbish, which has been discarded in Bradmore Lane, Brookmans Park, appears to contain the deadly mineral asbest

POTENTIALLY hazardous building waste dumped in a quiet country lane is set to be cleared by council contractors - after almost four weeks.

The rubbish, which has been discarded in Bradmore Lane, Brookmans Park, appears to contain the deadly mineral asbestos.

The dump, pictured, was reported to both Welwyn Hatfield Council and police on February 16 and is due to be cleared by Serco.

In a statement, the council said the service standard for removal of fly-tipping in a rural area is 20 working days.

Even though asbestos might be present, the job has not been prioritised.

Brookmans Park resident Paul Tomlinson described the 20 working day turnaround as "concerning".

"Bearing in mind it [asbestos] is hazardous that does seem excessive," he said.

Mr Tomlinson, of Peplins Way, also said Bradmore Lane had a history of fly-tipping, saying: "I am not sure what we can do to stop it."

Bob Horrocks, secretary of the North Mymms District Green Belt Society, said: "I thought the council was working to a tighter turnaround than that. It isn't sending the right message.

"If you leave fly-tipped material around it is going to encourage others to do the same."

A council spokeswoman said: "Serco has a service level agreement to remove all fly-tipping within 20 days of it being reported.

"However, local performance indicators show rural fly-tipping in Welwyn Hatfield is commonly cleared within seven days.

"Reports suggest there is a large amount of asbestos in Brookmans Park, but that it is bonded asbestos.

"Due to the scale of the fly-tip, the removal may take more time than for normal rubbish.

"This is due to the nature of the product which requires for the waste to be bagged up and will necessitate additional resources.

"Borough council officers and Serco will visit the site to establish what is exactly required and will work to clear the fly-tip by the end of the week.