A flagship beach forced to close after 3,500 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated rubble was dumped there has reopened after a clean-up operation.

Part of the Blue Flag beach between Flag Head Chine and Shire Road in Poole was closed in January after traces of white asbestos were found in the cement.

The Dorset health protection unit found the risk to human health was minimal, said a spokesman for Poole Borough Council.

According to a report, building contractors dumped the rubble on the 250-metre stretch of beach, as part of a council programme to tackle beach erosion.

An inquiry is in process to establish whether the asbestos was illegally dumped.

A £35,000 clean-up operation by Poole Borough Council began at the end of January.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the asbestos had posed little danger to the environment.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.