Thanet District Council is searching for culprits who dumped waste including asbestos sheets, which need specialist disposal, over the weekend.

The waste, which the council say looks like is from a large garden clearance, was dumped in Chambers Wall, Birchington.

The dumped load was left blocking access across the road and the council is appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

A post on the TDC Facebook page says: "It may have come from an old garage or outbuilding and was left blocking the access across the road.

"It was probably dumped by a tipper vehicle.

"If you can help, please email Streetscene.Enforcement@Thanet.gov.uk in confidence.

"Last year we dealt with 1700 incidents of fly-tipping which cost us over £100,000."

As the asbestos requires specialist clearance, this has been ordered by the council.

Once removed the regular team will be sent in for overall clearance.

Cllr Fairbrass, cabinet member for community safety & environmental services, said: “Over the course of the weekend a large scale fly-tip took place at Chambers Wall, St Nicholas at Wade.

"There was a substantial amount of asbestos in sheets which may have come from an old garage or outbuilding.

"The bulk of the waste appears to be the result of a large garden clearance, including old outdoor furniture and cuttings.

"The waste appears to have been dumped from an LGV tipper truck.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident taking place, or who recognises the garden waste from our photographs to get in touch with our team in confidence.

"Without this help it could prove very difficult to track down the culprits.

“Asbestos when damaged presents a significant risk to health.

"It should always be removed by an experienced, licensed contractor as hazardous waste, and disposed of at an approved site.

"Fly-tipping is illegal and the removal of it takes up a lot of resource.

"Last financial year Thanet District Council spent over £100k clearing fly-tipped waste.

"We do prosecute whenever possible as well as issuing fixed penalty notices of up to £400.”