Blackpool Resident Slams Council Over Toxic Waste

Residents in Blackpool are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the council's handling of an asbestos dumping incident. Concrete asbestos waste was illegally deposited in an alleyway on Buchanan Street in April 2025. The cleanup process has been protracted, with a resident reporting that fragments of the toxic material remained for nearly ten months before being addressed.

William Banks, a local resident, has voiced strong criticism, stating that the council's response was slow and that they initially downplayed the potential health hazards. He suspects that his postcode, FY1, may have led to a slower response compared to other areas, implying a form of discrimination.

Blackpool Council stated that the landlord was responsible for removing the majority of the waste and that their Environmental Protection team promptly removed the remaining materials. The council characterized the incident as a "low level-unlicensed risk" and asserted that recent inspections found no residual asbestos. They also confirmed providing information and contact details to residents concerned about the material.

Mr. Banks, however, remains unconvinced, sharing images of broken asbestos pieces and expressing concern about airborne fibers. He is calling for a more immediate and comprehensive response from the council in cases of toxic waste, advocating for immediate action and resident support.