A public meeting is due to be held tomorrow night (Thursday) over controversial plans for an asbestos depot in Lordswood.

Asbestos First, which is based in the old highways depot in North Dane Way, withdrew a scheme earlier this year to turn part of their land into a “waste transfer station”.

It would have taken in up to 70 tonnes of asbestos, double-bagged and stored in locked skips before being taken to bigger tips elsewhere.

The firm assured neighbours it was a safe process and they would follow every rule in the book.

But more than 1,000 residents, including councillors and Chatham MP Tracey Crouch, signed a petition against the scheme, which was planned a few hundred yards from homes and a primary school.

The firm is expected to re-submit amended plans after the meeting at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Walderslade Woods.

It begins at 7pm in the hotel's Hythe Suite. If more than 200 people attend, a second session can be held at 8pm, according to a flyer issued by Asbestos First.

For a full report see Monday’s Medway Messenger.