Dangerous asbestos remains in a Coulsdon alleyway, despite residents saying Croydon Council was notified of its presence over three weeks ago.

Colin Jakeman, a Coulsdon resident, found the fly-tipped sheets in an alleyway behind Westleigh Avenue and Chipstead Valley Road on August 19, reporting the discovery to Croydon Council.

After nothing was done, he said he reported the problem again on the August 24 and 30 and, despite the council promising to act on multiple occasions, the toxic sheets have not been removed.

Mr Jakeman said: “Once again the Council seems to have dropped the ball when it comes to dealing with a potentially hazardous substance which, at the very least, they should be warning residents about and attempting to make safe.

“I don't expect the Council to respond immediately to every fly-tip and I appreciate what a drain this problem is on Council resources, but when the general public are put at risk a more immediate and thorough response is required.”

In 2013, Croydon Guardian reported a similar quantity of asbestos was dumped in the same alleyway and left for six weeks by the council. 

In the period since Mr Jakeman reported his discovery, the sheets have been damaged by pedestrians and vehicles, scattering fragments and dust across the alleyway.

When asbestos dust is breathed in, asbestos fibres enter the lungs and can damage them over time.

Mr Jakeman said the alleyway is a "blackspot" where fly-tipping constantly takes place.

A spokesman for Croydon Council said: “Environmental regulations mean only contractors with specific licenses can clean up and transport asbestos.

“However, we are sorry there has been a delay and we have instructed a specialist team to clear this up as a matter of urgency.

“With all cases of fly-tipping we ask residents to report them by emailing flytip@croydon.gov.uk, calling our dedicated fly-tip hotline on 020 8604 7000 or on the Don’t Mess with Croydon app which is available on the App Store or Google Play Store.”

Update 2pm 14 September - Mr Jakeman informed us the asbestos has now been removed.