SIX tonnes of hazardous asbestos was dumped in woodland over the the Bank Holiday weekend.

The discovery of the waste in woodland off Admiral’s Wood Road, Bicknor, near Maidstone, came days after one of the worst cases of flytipping in the borough.

The Kent Messenger recently reported how four tonnes of asbestos had been found dumped in Stepps Hill, Stockbury, near Maidstone.

Cllr Malcolm Robertson (Lib Dem), Maidstone Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “I’m astounded that this has happened again, especially so close to the previous incident.

“I would urge anyone with information to come forward, as the individual or individuals clearly have no regard to the environment or the cost to the taxpayer of clearing this dangerous material, which could run into thousands of pounds.”

The council and the Environment Agency are investigating this latest incident, which comes less than a fortnight after Stepps Hill Road in Stockbury was completely blocked after asbestos based material was dumped across the full width of the road.

Anyone with information about either incident, which are believed to be connected, should contact Murray Beale or anyone in Maidstone Council’s pollution team on 01622 602202 or email pollution@maidstone.gov.uk