CCTV call after garden is trashed
VOLUNTEERS running a suburban street garden are calling for CCTV cameras to be installed after being blighted by repeated incidents of fly-tipping.
Rubbish is being dumped at Topaz Street Garden in Adamsdown, Cardiff, nearly every week, according to those behind the city venture.
In the latest incident, a bed frame, washing machine, stool and a set of shelves were all discovered dumped by the side of the road.
Professional harpist and singer Sam Hickman began planting the area on Topaz Street with flowers, bushes and even edible crops last year after growing frustrated with the condition it was being left in.
The 24-year-old said: “It’s not a student issue because it happens all year round and it has been happening for years and years.
“Our local waste enforcement team have been really trying to tackle it, as it’s such a perennial problem in this area.
“They have tried fines and door knocking and have a few things in place to try and get people to stop, but it just doesn’t seem to be having any effect.”
Sam reported the issue to Cardiff Council, and the waste was removed the following day.
But she said she would now like to see cameras installed in the area to stop the persistent problem.
The calls come as the issue of city flytipping continues to hit the headlines, leaving councillors vowing to crack down on the problem.
A fortnight ago, Cardiff Council’s cabinet approved a range of measures to tackle fly-tipping, which costs the local authority in the region of £230,000 annually.
Fines of £400 can now be issued against first-time offenders.
The council also plans to increase surveillance using new infrared cameras at known fly-tipping hotspots.
Michael Michael, cabinet member for clean streets and recycling, said: “There isn’t any excuse, the council provides an extensive kerbside waste collection service and all larger household waste items can be disposed of free of charge at our household waste recycling centres.
“If residents do not have a car, we also offer a service where we can collect larger household items from people’s homes, and if this waste is recyclable then the collection is free.
“Bringing in these additional measures doesn’t mean that we will not bring persistent offenders to court, if it is deemed necessary.
“We will be trialling different types of infrared camera which can be used overtly and covertly to catch fly tipping in action.”