ASBESTOS and rubble left strewn across a Southampton road was dumped by a criminal fly-tipping gang, a councillor has said.
The road was closed while teams worked to remove the trail of rubbish, which contained asbestos, between Cotswold Road and Cumbrian Way bus stop.
Now, the council has confirmed that the act was carried out by "a criminal fly-tipping-gang".
Residents are now calling for 'stronger sentences' for those committing the crimes.
Mr Rives, 79, has lived in the area for nearly 60 years.
He said: "They should fine and prosecute the people responsible, but the council doesn't seem to be doing that.
"They are given soft sentences but if they are stronger they won't do it again."
"The council needs to hit them one - stronger sentencings are needed.
"This never used to happen in the 1950s. The law is too soft."
READ MORE: Everything we know after Millbrook residents hit by asbestos fly-tip
Fellow resident Mel, 58, described the incident as "disgusting".
She said: "On the day it happened, I came round the corner to go to the shop and it was all taped off.
"I didn't realise it was a gang, I thought it was a one-off. But fly-tipping is a normal occurrence round here.
"What can you do to tackle it? I've lived here for 12 years and never seen anything on this scale."
One resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said: "That news is awful. It's not nice to hear at all."
Millbrook ward councillor, Dave Furnell, said: "It was clear from the waste, which included hazardous waste and building materials that this was a criminal fly-tipping gang.
"I would urge the public to ensure they do not employ anyone to remove building materials for them if they do not hold a waste disposal licence."
Police were called out at 2.42am on April 7.
Southampton City Council has issued an appeal for witnesses.
READ MORE: Road reopens after debris left scattered on carriageway - Recap
Cllr Furnell added: "As soon as the issue was reported our officers worked to arrange the clear up.
"Now Environmental Protection Officers whose job is to investigate fly-tipping and actively seek conviction are working with the police to identify and prosecute the offenders."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Southampton City Council.
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