FLY tippers created a health risk after dumping eight tonnes of hazardous asbestos in a country lane in 2005.

Council workers were hoping strips of purple and blue carpet, also found at the scene would help identify the culprits.

A passer-by alerted Ribble Valley Council after finding two large mounds of asbestos blocking the road at Four Lane Ends, off the A59, near Clitheroe

Both ends of the road were closed off by Lancashire County Council to avert a public health hazard.

Council workers in protective clothing removed the waste which was taken to a specialist treatment site designed to handle contaminated material. Removing the material was expected to cost the taxpayer up to £2,500.

Alan Boyer from Ribble Valley Council, said: “It’s a disgrace that someone would dump this without any thought for people’s safety.”