Hamilton Advertiser

ENVIRONMEN­T Getting tough on fly tipping Council and police issue a warning

- Robert Mitchell

Residents are being asked to report incidents of fly tipping, as part of a campaign launched by North Lanarkshir­e Council.

Postcards are being distribute­d to households where it is a problem, encouragin­g people to give details of the vehicle or people involved.

This will then be used by council officers to trace and prosecute those responsibl­e.

“Fly tipping causes real problems in our communitie­s,” said Councillor Michael Mcpake, convener of the council’s Environmen­tal Services Committee.

“The dumped rubbish is a health risk as it attracts vermin, it’s an eye-sore and there’s no excuse for it because the council provides free waste services to our residents.

“We’re appealing to local people to give us as much detail as possible about anyone they see dumping rubbish, including vehicle registrati­on numbers and descriptio­n of the people involved.”

Residents can provide this informatio­n, anonymousl­y if they prefer, using the postcards, by email to enough@northlan. gov.uk or by phone to our Customer Contact Centre on 01698 403110.

Superinten­dent John Mctear, Police Scotland Lanarkshir­e Division, said: “Fly-tipping or the illegal dumping of waste material continues to take place throughout North Lanarkshir­e.

“Leaving litter and debris on public sites ruins the area for those who wish to use it, and it can also be hazardous to health and causes damage to the environmen­t. Lanarkshir­e Division will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to pro-actively target fly-tippers.”

Fly tipping often occurs on rural roads and open spaces, but also in communal areas of flats and other residentia­l areas.

Councillor Mcpake added: “Our message is clear: Fly tipping is a crime and we will pursue and prosecute those responsibl­e.

“Individual­s face a fixed penalty notice of £200, and for businesses the fine increases to £40,000 and/or two years in prison.”

 ??  ?? Warning Councillor Mcpake (front left) launches the campaign
Warning Councillor Mcpake (front left) launches the campaign

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