I went down to talk to Ali and see for myself. He says it was reported to Lambeth Council and local councillors (St Leonard's Ward) back in June. Both Ali and others who work and live there also made several calls subsequently about it, but nothing seems to have been done four months later.
They are extremely worried as asbestos is a health hazard. It is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK (over 4,000 deaths each year in the UK). If it is left undisturbed the risks are small. It is when it is moved or broken that fibres are released which are the big danger.
This pile appears to have been knocked about a bit over the last few months possibly due to the cars parked all around it which are services and repaired in the garages there. The asbestos itself appears to be breaking up in some places and there is dust and gravel surrounding, although it isn't clear is this is asbestos dust and fragments as more rubbish has also gathered at the site.
I have contacted council officers again, and will keeping chasing until it is removed. As it is asbestos, it is a hazardous waste and can only be disposed of at a licensed waste disposal site. Lambeth use the City of London to do this although it is Lambeth Council's responsibility to make sure it happens. I will post an update when it is removed.
More information on asbestos can be found here.
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