The regulatory bodies perform many functions but do not, nor have a remit to, supervise.

Limited resources also often restrict site inspections to only a few days per year.

Following a complaint to the EA concerning improper disposal of asbestos materials, Alab Environmental Services (AES) were prosecuted in 2007.

The EA observed disposal of uncontained (exposed) asbestos at site on two occasions months apart.

It is well documented that a high proportion of children living a few miles from redundant exposed asbestos mines (South African) develop terminal asbestos related illness by their 40s.

Surely a comprehensive assessment by a competent authority to quantify the exposure and consequence for the site workforce and local community is justified.

Perhaps such an investigation should start with a determination of the integrity of previously buried asbestos material to gauge the care taken during its disposal.

Mike Hurst,
Thackeray Road,
Hartlepool.