Fear of toxic fumes at alleged illegal waste site

RESIDENTS SAY THEY'VE SEEN SMOKE OVER NORTH DOWNS

- By LAUREN COLE-LOMAS

THICK black smoke was seen billowing across the North Downs Way from miles away as residents claimed they have been breathing in toxic fumes for two weeks.

Flames as high as the trees were spotted from the M23 with thick smog lingering in fields, gardens and even homes, thought to come from an alleged illegal waste disposal operation.

Fires and piles of rubbish reportedly as big as houses have been spotted from footpaths near a private farm in Caterham, near Whitehill Tower, in Chaldon.

The Environment Agency (EA) is investigating the alleged illegal waste operation, and is urging people to send in reports.

Some have criticised the eyesore visible in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are fears of inhalation of toxic fumes.

The burning of uncontrolled waste can release corrosive and carcinogenic gases into the air.

Smoke and flames from fires on the site have been seen from the surrounding area, including Bletchingley and Redhill. Witnesses have submitted photographs of the flames, reportedly fed by construction waste including uPVC windows and white goods, such as fridges.

Ash has reportedly been found within a 500-metre radius.