RESIDENTS have vowed to fight controversial plans to store asbestos at a waste site that backs onto homes in a Hampshire village.

Solent Environmental Services wants to install a large-scale skip at its headquarters in Holbury as a temporary holding site for the toxic material.

However, the scheme has already been attacked by some neighbours who say it is too close to peoples’ homes and lies near a popular route to school.

Company bosses insist the plan is safe and have offered to talk to any one who is concerned at their Long Lane offices.

But Stephen Parish, who lives in next-door Ivor Close, says it may not be enough to allay the fears of neighbours.

“It is very concerning,” he said.

“I may end up living within 100 yards of a bin full of asbestos waste and it is going to be a very large skip.

“With the best will in the world – and I know they have quality controls in place – accidents do happen.

“No mention has been made of the local school and kids walking past and there has also been no mention of the nearby Co-op store.

“I will be contacting my local MP.”

Fawley Parish councillor Alan Glass has said a number of other residents have approached him with their concerns and is vowing to investigate further.

Under the plans, waste would be transferred to the Long Lane depot at the end of each day, with the 40 cubic yard roll-off skip emptied around every fortnight.

The container would hold around six tonnes of waste before being taken to a secure disposal site.

The firm needs permission from Hampshire County Council before the transfer station can be set up.

Contracts manager Ian Chiddicks said: “We are a company that has been in this business for more than 20 years.

“There is an absolutely minimal risk to any people of property.

All the asbestos will be double bagged and kept in a locked skip.

“If anyone has any concerns, my door is always open.”

The matter is due to be discussed at the next meeting of Fawley Parish Council on Wednesday, June 23.

If approved the plans will go to Hampshire County Council’s regulatory committee, who will make their decision on July 28.