FLY-TIPPERS TRASHING WALES’ BEAUTY SPOTS

THERE has been a shocking increase in the amount of fly-tipping in Welsh national parks. Our three National Parks cover 20% of Wales, are home to more than 80,000 people, attract more than 12 million visitors each year and account for 1.2% of the Welsh economy.

More importantly, they are absolutely stunning.

However, in the past year Powys, the local authority for the Brecon Beacons National Park, saw a 45% rise in the number of fly-tipping incidents.

Last year, a total of 2,426 fly-tipping incidents were reported by local authorities on public access footpaths and bridleways.

These pictures show some of the worst cases.

According to Fly-tipping Action Wales, fly-tipping rates are threatening to turn these national treasures from “hot spots into grot spots” as the group appeals for public vigilance during National Parks Week, starting tomorrow.

Judith Harvey, warden manager at Brecon Beacons National Park, which attracts more than four million visitors a year, said: “As one of Wales’ leading tourist destinations, people are often surprised to learn that flytipping is a serious problem here.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen dumped tyres, cars, building materials and even Christmas trees.

“Unfortunately, our wardens and visitors are encountering this illegally dumped waste at the park more and more frequently. That’s why we’re backing the call from Fly-tipping Action Wales for people to be more vigilant when out and about this summer and to report fly-tipping to their local authority waste team.”

Gary Evans, programme manager at Fly-tipping Action Wales, added: “We live in a beautiful part of the world and we want to keep it that way. Our message to people in Wales is simple – dispose of your waste responsibly.

“If you’re paying someone to take away unwanted large household items, always ask to see their waste carrier licence and ask where they are taking your waste so it doesn’t end up dumped in the countryside.

“If you come across fly-tipped waste when out and about report it immediately to your local authority waste team. No more rubbish excuses. We all have a duty to keep Wales waste-free.”

For advice on how to dispose of unwanted items legally and responsibly, visit flytippingactionwales.org/ or search FtAWales on Facebook.