Lockdown brings back headache of fly-tipping
ANGER AS CEMENT AND GUTTERING DUMPED IN RURAL LANE
BLACK plastic guttering, cement and what appears to be the contents of a rabbit’s cage have been dumped in a country lane in Burton.
The rubbish was found in Field Lane, Outwoods, on Monday, and it is not the first time that such “trade” waste has been simply left in this road.
It is believed it was left by an irresponsible trades person who has skimped on buying a licence. To add insult to injury, the cement has now set and gone hard, which could damage a car that goes over it.
John Anderson, chairman of Outwoods Parish Council, said the problem of fly-tipping in country lanes in the area has got worse each time there has been a lockdown.
He believes that one of the reasons these lanes are targeted is because they are not lit up and fly-tippers can see the traffic coming for miles in each direction, and even though there are signs warning CCTV operates in the area, people seem not to be put off.
Councillor Anderson said: “The problem got worse in the first lockdown and signs were put up saying the covert cameras were recording in the lanes.
“It has been steady but not as bad as the first lockdown. With the third lockdown it has started up again. I’m not sure why the lockdown makes a difference but it does seem to increase.”
He has found it mainly appears to be trade waste that is dumped and thinks cowboy trades people are doing it to save the cost of hiring a skip or getting the correct licence for the removal of their rubbish after a job. He has reminded people that when they have work done on their home it is their responsibility to make sure those taking away the rubbish have the correct licence.
Councillor Anderson said: “I feel angry about it when I see it and I know that residents who walk their dogs, jog or go for a walk down these roads get very angry as well.
“The messages I get from them always have an angry undertone.
“It’s our countryside and when people dump their rubbish it’s completely wrong. They are destroying the countryside to save a few pounds and it’s a very disgusting thing.
“The team from East Staffordshire Borough Council will come out quite quickly to remove it but it is costing the taxpayers.
“We have to pay for that disgusting person’s behaviour.
“We on Outwoods Parish Council will do everything we can to combat this issue and if we find out who’s doing it we will bring the culprits to justice.”
A spokesman for East Staffordshire Borough Council said: “The council is aware of a fly-tipping incident and is currently investigating.
“If the council is able to gather enough evidence to identify the perpetrator then we will seek to prosecute.
“If a member of the public has any information related to this incident please call 01283 508506 or email community.civil_enforcement@ eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.”