A large pile of asbestos has been dumped on the roadside close to a community centre.

The corrugated sheets were fly-tipped along Cotton Lane in Stone, near homes and the Claire Tiltman Centre, which is used by a local Scout group.

Along with the pile of hazardous waste, a metal bin, white goods and a plastic garden chair have also been discarded.

Dartford Green party Cllr Laura Edie said: “This road is used by the Scouts and is also next to residential housing.

“I have asked for this to be removed ASAP due to the hazardous nature of the material and close proximity to the community.”

A spokesman for Dartford council said fly-tipping is usually dealt with by Kent County Council, which has responsibilities for the county’s highways, but due to the location of the asbestos and the urgency of the matter, it is arranging for specialists to clear it.

According to the Health Security Agency, if asbestos-containing products are intact, they pose very little risk. However, if they are damaged in some way, fibres may be released.

The department’s website states: “All forms of asbestos fibres are hazardous as they can induce cancer following inhalation exposure.

“Breathing in high concentrations of asbestos for a long period of time mainly affects the lungs, causing a disease called asbestosis where breathing becomes difficult and the heart enlarges.”