A Hadleigh allotment owner has spoken of her relief and delight that progress appears to being made about the removal of dangerous asbestos, following the intervention of town councillor Angela Wiltshire.

Jade Saunders has been battling for nearly nine months to get action from Hadleigh town council regarding the asbestos in the Bridge Street allotments close to the river Brett.

Mrs Saunders is concerned that if Hadleigh council as landowners don't deal with the asbestos then some people may choose alternative methods to get rid of the toxic sheets.

She first contacted the council shortly after taking on her allotment last October, but was told she needed to deal with it herself.

But, following action by Cllr Wiltshire who raised it at a council meeting, and also contacted Babergh, action is being taken

Mrs Saunders said: "It has been a bit of a mission but they do seem to be taking it seriously now and things could be getting done."

Asbestos specialists

Despite contacting asbestos specialists, Mrs Saunders has been unable to find a company that will even send her a quote and after research, believes the council should act.

She said: "The allotment had weeds coming up to the eyeballs and we only noticed the boards once we cleared it back a bit.

"They were positioned along the edge by the river and by her grandfather, who is a builder confirmed they were asbestos so I emailed Hadleigh Town council.

"I was told very firmly by a lady called Sue that it was my responsibility. Sue told me she had taken advice from the town clerk Wendy, who has been cc'ed into the emails." 

Mrs Saunders contacted asbestos companies but could not even get a quote to take it away and spoke with other allotment owners who faced similar issues..

She said: "The allotment committee have been supportive but haven't really been able to get anything done.

"Some people even suggested just chucking it in the river or burying it but i didn't want to do that.

"Through another allotment owner I got in touch with Angela and between them they dug into it and found the council were legally responsible. 

"Angela took it to the council and it was discussed and things do seem to be moving on which is fabulous.""

Allotments are close to the river Brett (Picture credit: Hadleigh Nub News)

Cllr Wiltshire said: "When I was asked, in confidence, by a member of the public for support regarding a discovery of what was thought to be asbestos on the allotments, I tried to find out what the council ought to do and asked for an agenda item to begin a process to develop policy, guidance and an action plan to address the council's duty to manage asbestos, on its property.

"This proved a bit more difficult than I thought it would be, but I think that we are now in a position where we will soon be able to support tenants and members of the public, staff and contractors, to safely report any hazardous materials they come across on council property and be confident that we will follow the correct procedures according to the 2012 Regulations.

"It is very concerning that an option for allotment tenants in being left to dispose of their asbestos themselves, might be to dump it in our beautiful natural environment, including the river. But I can understand how worrying it might be for people to be left with responsibility for asbestos which they never brought onto the allotments themselves.

"Regardless of the financial cost involved, there are huge responsibilities for anyone taking something like this on, and it will be a relief for people to be able to contact the town council to ask for advice and support.

"This is a common issue for councils with allotments which we probably all understand much better now."

Mrs Saunders hopes the local authority getting involved will help others with asbestos problems.

She added: "It has made me think what if some people are unable to afford to have it removed safely, and may take another route.?

"That is why the council as landowner should make sure the asbestos is removed safely.

"I'm a pretty capable person and can deal with institutions but maybe not everyone can, or want to, and then there is the financial aspect. 

"It seems silly that a situation is being created when it should be something that is for the common good." 

Hazardous

A Babergh spokesperson said: "Asbestos is classed as a hazardous waste and must be disposed of correctly. 

"Although we do not carry out removal services, we can offer guidance on handling, advise where specialist help may be required, and put residents in touch with licensed asbestos contractors. 

"Further information is available on our website: Hazardous waste » Babergh."

Hadleigh mayor Gordon Mcleod and the town clerk Wendy Brame were contacted for comment but both have failed to respond.