Newark man must pay for clear-up after illegally dumping asbestos
A Newark man who admitted fly-tipping asbestos has been ordered to pay more £2,000 by Nottingham magistrates.
Norman Ashton, 73, of Appletongate, dumped the asbestos sheeting at an industrial site in the town.
The court was told that in October 2013 he had been negotiating the sale of an industrial unit on Bowbridge Road, Newark.
Part of the conditions of that sale were to clear some asbestos sheeting at the rear of the premises, which he had agreed to do.
In January 2014 Ashton confirmed he had removed the asbestos from the site and the sale went ahead.
However, in April 2014 the owner of a neighbouring unit on the same industrial site discovered a large amount of asbestos sheeting had been deposited at the rear of his premises.
The defendant was interviewed and admitted moving the asbestos to the rear of the other unit himself.
Knowing the risks of handling asbestos, he had enquired about getting licensed contractors but, he claimed, could not get anyone to quote for the work.
Ashton pleaded guilty to fly-tipping a quantity of asbestos sheeting.
He was fined £145, ordered to pay compensation/clear-up costs of £1632.67 and court costs of £270.
Andy Statham, director – community at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The council spends thousands of pounds a year removing illegally fly-tipped asbestos and hopes, that by bringing this prosecution, it will encourage individuals and companies to act more responsibly where asbestos is concerned.
“Householders and businesses must realise that unless they use a company licensed to remove asbestos it will be fly-tipped.
"Unlicensed individuals or companies cannot dispose of asbestos legally.
"There are a number of companies on the internet, and locally, that offer this service and are willing to quote for the work, prices do vary so it is best to shop around."
Private householders can dispose of asbestos for a small fee by contacting Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 8080.