Hundreds of historic coastal landfill sites are spilling waste onto cliffs and beaches, a survey has revealed.
The Local Government Association and the Coastal Group Network say 26 councils in coastal areas have sites at risk of polluting beaches and waterways,
Coastal landfill sites, many are more than 100 years old, have historically been an easy target for the disposal of toxic rubbish.
The LGA says councils want to work with the Government to find a long-term solution to the problem, which will include urgent funding for remedial works.
LGA environment spokesperson David Renard said: ‘This problem will not go away, and funding is needed to prevent hundreds of disasters on our shores.
‘Councils want to protect their local environments but need urgent support from the Government to save our coastlines from this ticking time bomb.’
