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More on KentOnline
A road has been closed to clear fly-tipped asbestos close to another notorious dumping ground, shortly after people raised fears.
Pease Hill in Ash, near Sevenoaks, will be shut for two weeks from today to allow for the toxic waste to be cleared.
The closure will enter into force along the junction with Bunkers Hill, Rectory Road and Hartley Bottom Road.
It comes after fears were raised locally that problems had worsened during the pandemic and had now spread to other areas around New Ash Green.
Fly-tipping concerns have also been repeatedly raised with Kent County Council and Sevenoaks Council along the access road to Barnfield Park, a gypsy and traveller site.
It was branded a potential "health risk" by one local resident following conversations held with the local traveller community who say they have long suffered from offenders dumping along a route they rely on for ferrying children to school.
Donna Clarke, originally from New Ash Green, said she was "completely shocked" by the extent of fly-tipping at the site's entrance.
The 60-year-old, whose mum lives nearby, penned a letter last month to KCC, which is responsible for managing the site, calling on them to urgently clear the waste.
A clean up operation has begun, preventatives measures put in place and funding sourced for extra security measures.
But plans to put this into action have been delayed by the council until the Autumn owing to concerns on site related to nesting birds.
The authority said it was dealing "pragmatically" with ecology concerns and is "expediting this as quickly and safely as possible" while adhering to the law.
KCC says the latest road closure has been put in place so the rubbish can be cleared and culprits will be prosecuted if identified.
A notice read: "The road will be closed at the junction with Bunkers Hill, Rectory Road, and Hartley Bottom Road.
"The alternative route is via Rosemary Lane, Hartley Bottom Road, Hodsoll Street, Ideleigh Court Road, New Stret Road and Rectory Road."
