Cameras to spy on ‘industrial scale’ flytippers
“It is not something you can just tidy up with a bag and a pair of gloves”
SPY cameras are set to be used to tackle an ‘industrial scale’ flytipping problem.
Councillors in Great Harwood say they have been plagued with large litter incidents in recent months with offenders targeting Clinkham Lane and Blackburn Old Road, as well as Wilpshire Road in Rishton.
Officers from the councils waste services enforcement team are now set to install temporary cameras to ‘try and catch the perpetrators in action’.
Any offenders prosecuted could face fines of up to £50,000.
Ward councillor Noordad Aziz said: “Over the coming weeks a number of initiatives will be taken and hopefully it will lead to positive results.
“[The cameras] have not been installed yet but they will be. They are going to be put up the necessary signage first.
“Once the signs are up they will carry out operations to combat this and bring prosecutions.
“Ultimately, we seem to have a constant spate of flytipping where people are dumping waste.
“It’s not just bin bags, it’s on an industrial scale and isn’t something you can just tidy up with a bag and pair of gloves. Sometimes it’s industrial materials and you need the right equipment.”
Coun Aziz said the camera scheme could be expanded to other parts of Hyndburn if they are successful in catching offenders
He said: “Let’s see how it works. Hopefully if it’s successfully then we will look at working with other councillors to identify areas where it’s a cause of concern.
“We need to tackle flytipping because it’s a blight on the landscape, it damages the environment and isn’t a nice thing to see.
“Hopefully we can combat it and it will be something positive.
“Also, if you are depositing waste via a third party make sure you know what is being done with it as you could still be liable should it be fly-tipped.”