POTENTIALLY deadly asbestos was dumped at a beauty spot.
The remains of what appeared to be a corrugated asbestos roof were spotted at Seven Acres Country Park, in Breightmet.
Beth Maher, from Heaton, was enjoying a stroll through the park with her dad and his dog when they came across the hazardous material.
She said: “We were taking a walk through the field and saw a load of asbestos. My dad pointed it out, he’s a joiner and has worked in that sort of trade, and he said it was all asbestos, the stuff they used to put on roofs.
“A person had obviously got rid of a load of asbestos and chucked it there.”
As well as a being popular with dog walkers and families, the park is a nature reserve and home to a host of wildlife, including badgers, deer and foxes.
There is also a children’s playground just a short walk from where Ms Maher and her father spotted the asbestos roof.
Ms Maher, who reported the material to Bolton Council via Twitter, said: “I was worried about kids going into the park and people walking their dogs.
My knowledge of asbestos isn’t great, but I thought it needed to be shifted before anyone else came across it.
“It’s not good having a nice little park and having that there, animals might end up eating it, wild animals and people’s dogs.
And it’s probably two minutes away from the playground.
“I’m sure it probably wouldn’t have a massive effect but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
The 23-year-old said she hoped it was a one-off case of fly-tipping at Seven Acres, but has noticed the problem appears to be on the rise.
She said: “This is just a personal opinion but I think it’s just easier for people to dump it where nobody can see, rather than pay for it to be removed properly, unfortunately.
“With asbestos there must be certain guidelines around moving it and getting rid and it must be easier,for people, especially for places that are struggling for money.”
Bolton council said it had removed the asbestos and issued a warning to flytippers.
A council spokesperson said: “Flytipping is disgusting and antisocial and where possible, we will always fine or prosecute those responsible.”
To report fly tipping visit bolton.gov.uk and click on fly tipping removal
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