Fly-tippers ditch bikes, trolleys and mattresses in woodland
LOCAL RESIDENT CALLS ON COUNCIL TO TAKE ACTION ON ‘SURGE IN LITTER’ IN RECENT YEARS
A MAN from Almondbury has called on Kirklees Council to do more to deter fly-tippers from targeting woodland close to his home.
Jonathon Spencer claims a “copious amount” of litter - including trolleys, bikes, and mattresses continues to be dumped in a wooded area between Somerset Road and Almondbury Bank.
The 31-year-old said fly-tippers have targeted the same bit of woodland, off a public footpath in the village, for several years, adding it has “plagued residents” - and animals - for some time.
But Jonathon claims that, despite going to Kirklees Council for help on numerous occasions, nothing is currently being done to either clear the rubbish, or safeguard the area.
“The area is well-known for fly-tipping,” he said. “There are trolleys, bags, bikes, couches and copious amounts of rubbish. There used to be a wire fence which ran the length of the walkway and acted as a deterrent, while also catching litter before it could be blown down the ‘ravine.’
“This fence has been removed in recent years, which has led to a surge in litter.”
Jonathon said he first contacted the council about the issue in early January when he filled out a fly-tipping form on their website.
He added he then approached two ward councillors in an attempt to arrange a meeting at the site.
Jonathon said the meeting took place at the end of February but claims: “That was the last I heard on the issue”.
Since then, Jonathon says he has emailed the council on more than five occasions to ask for an update but has heard little back.
“This has plagued residents for so long now and everyone is getting frustrated,” said Jonathon.
“The area is, surprisingly, visited by deer in the summer and bats, owls, squirrels and foxes - among other animals - all have to live with this mess.”
Jonathon is now calling on the council to help clear the area, as well as install a new fence. Kirklees Council has been approached for comment.