Allotment holders in Axminster have been told that that "potentially dangerous "asbestos had been found on a number of plots.

Axminster Town Council has written to all its tenants asking them to check to see whether their land is affected.

The letter says: "We have been informed of asbestos on some of the town council allotments.

"Can you please check and let us know if you have found asbestos or something you think may be on your plot so this can be investigated, logged and if required removed.

"A response will be required by the August 28 after which date any asbestos found will be the responsibility of the allotment holder to dispose of through a certified asbestos removal company."

Axminster has three allotment sites at North Street, Millwey Rise and Woodbury Park.

Valerie Cullimore, secretary of Axminster Allotments Association, has been reported as saying: "The question as to whether there was asbestos on some plots in the town has yet to be confirmed or discounted by experts."

A former tenant says his allotment in North Street was full of asbestos. He reported it and was told to bag it up and dispose of it.