View report page

138
Disposal of Asbestos Waste
A survey of commercial and industrial premises where it was
thought that asbestos might be a waste product was carried out
after a Circular had been received from the Ministry of Housing
and Local Government indicating that there was evidence of an
association between the inhalation of asbestos fibres and the
development of a rare form of cancer. The result of the survey
indicated that there was no danger to public health from the
disposal of this waste material within the Borough.
Investigation of a complaint concerning nuisance from smoke
and fumes caused by the burning of waste material from a factory
did reveal that asbestos fibre was one of the constituents of the
material being disposed of. The smoke was caused by the burning
of rubber, another of the constituent substances. The amount of
asbestos fibre in a sample of the material sent to the Public Analyst
for examination was reported to be insignificant. The burning of
the waste material appeared to be due to the spontaneous combustion
of the refuse tip used by the factory, but nevertheless it was
felt necessary to send a warning letter to the owner of the factory.
Bonfires
There is public misunderstanding on the question of lighting
garden bonfires. Considerable discomfort can be caused to persons
in their gardens or even within their homes by unthinking neighbours
who may light fires too frequently or when wind and weather
are unfavourable. The making of a Smoke Control Order, which
relates to a specific area, does not alter the legal position as to the
lighting of bonfires in that area. However, a section of the Clean
Air Act, 1956, does deal with these fires, wherever they may be
lit. Action can be taken if smoke from such sources gives rise to
conditions which come within the legal definition of a "nuisance".
There is no legislation which specifies where or when fires may
or may not be lighted. Representations have been made to the
Department that powers should be sought to limit them to stated
times on specific days. This would be undesirable as it might
well give rise to an unfortunate concentration of smoke for limited
periods.
The Inspectors will always investigate alleged nuisances from
smoke. Usually the situation will be met by advice given to
offenders. In fact, during the year, 18 such complaints were received
and investigated. The need for this action would not have arisen
if the persons responsible had been more thoughtful to their
neighbours comfort.
If, due to limited space or other cause, garden refuse cannot be
disposed of by fire the Council's Borough Engineer and Surveyor
will on demand, arrange for its collection at a reasonable set charge.