Fly-tipping concerns are raised

CONCERNS have been raised over a fly-tipping hotspot in South Wales.

Photographs show waste dumped in and around Brook Street and Queen Street, Treforest.

The pictures, taken by Councillor Steve Powderhill, show fly-tipped tyres and furniture.

Coun Powderhill said: “Despite the sterling work of the RCT Streetcare team, keeping Treforest clean is like watching the ocean roll in.

“It’s a never-ending cycle of dumping and clearance and comes at a huge cost to both the local authority and the community alike.

“Although it happens all year, it is at its worst during the summer with rogue property clearances in our deserted village, and the return of the academic year when new students arrive without adequate information from some landlords who show absolutely no responsibility.”

Resident Claire Vaughan has expressed concerns about the issue. The 37-year-old first reported an incident of fly-tipping on July 3, but she said it has been an issue throughout the summer.

Claire spotted more waste dumped between Oliver Terrace and King Street earlier this week.

It’s a problem for the mum who has to avoid going near the dumped waste when she takes her baby out in the pushchair.

She said: “It impacts me because it’s dirty and smelly, especially in hot weather. It’s encouraging birds to rip open the bags and make the place very messy.

“It has also been reported lots of times.

“The council cleans it up, but no further action is taken so it just keeps happening.

“It’s dangerous because you don’t know what is in the bags.”

The council has claimed it is working closely to monitor reports of flytipping – especially at this time of year with the arrival of new students.

It also confirmed that a student and resident recycling and waste coordinator is based in Treforest during term-time.

A spokesman for Rhondda Cynon Taf council said: “The council takes fly-tipping issues very seriously, and takes action against those found to be responsible for dumping waste.

“The council’s Streetcare and Enforcement teams constantly monitor fly-tipping incidents in Treforest.

“Any suspected fly-tipping incidents reported to the council are investigated, and if the waste is on councilowned land it is collected within five working days.

“If the identity of the person or people responsible becomes known to officers, appropriate action is taken accordingly.

“If anyone has information relating to this specific fly-tipping issue in Treforest we would encourage them to contact us.”