The city council was accused of 'putting residents in danger' after asbestos dumped by communal bins was not cleared up for at least two days.

A woman and her husband were distressed to find the hazardous substance on Upper Lewes Road in Brighton on the morning of November 26.

The woman's father-in-law worked for trading standards and immediately recognised the material.

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The couple quickly reported this via the council’s web form for emergency clean ups as they said it was “a clear public health issue for residents and pedestrians”.

Nearly 48 hours later, the asbestos remained, and the couple said they were “shocked and saddened by the council’s apparent inaction”.

She said: “It’s not very ‘Green’ in our opinion. We regularly report fly tipping on Upper Lewes Road and feel that the lack of positive action has escalated to dumping of hazardous waste.

“It is a serious environmental crime, and they are putting Brighton residents in danger.”

Rosie's father-in-law immediately recognised the material to be asbestos Rosie's father-in-law immediately recognised the material to be asbestos (Image: Submitted)

Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibres which were commonly used as a building material in the past due to their insulation and fire-resistant properties.

Many buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos.

Use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 once its adverse effects on health were recognised.

If inhaled, the microscopic fibres in asbestos can lodge in the lungs and remain for many years. Over time, they cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to cancer.

There are around 5,000 asbestos-related deaths each year in the UK.

48 hours after being reported, the asbestos remained 48 hours after being reported, the asbestos remained (Image: Submitted) Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed that the material was asbestos and an environmental health contractor cleared it on November 28.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said: “People should not be leaving items like this next to our communal bins, so first and foremost, thank you to the residents who reported this to us.

“Unfortunately, this did take longer than we would usually expect for our team to deal with, but I can confirm this has now been collected and disposed of safely.

“We will be working with our contractors to ensure we manage situations like this more quickly in future.”