Call for tougher law to stop fly-tippers

DEFRA Secretary Michael Gove has announced a threemonth review to strengthen the Government’s approach to tackling fly-tipping in England.

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has welcomed the call for evidence launched to find new ways to crackdown on organised crime in the waste sector.

Fly-tipping is not a victimless crime.

The Government, local authorities and the Environment Agency must work together with farmers and landowners to help reduce fly-tipping on private rural land.

It’s a vicious cycle of costly clean-ups by the victims who bear the burden of waste crime and the threat of prosecution.

It is easy to blame householders for the significant rise in fly-tipping but we’re seeing more and more waste on an industrial scale dumped across the countryside.

Part of the problem is council fees putting people off lawful disposal at the local tip but it is also businesses not complying with existing waste disposal regulations.

The costs and process of getting a waste transfer licence prevents legal disposal and encourages organised crime.

It is vital that more prosecutions are brought forward successfully to encourage people to do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish through proper legal channels.

But to really combat this anti-social behaviour we need to see tougher penalties which act as a true deterrent.

Imposing and enforcing penalties which better reflect the seriousness of the crime, such as seizing vehicles used to fly-tip, is crucial. as we’d like but this is definitely the time of year to make the most of whatever sunshine we get!

Getting together with family and friends in the fresh air, whether in a grand garden or a small courtyard, is a pleasure all of its own, and to know that at the same time support is being raised for a wonderful cause just makes it even better.

That’s why I’m delighted to support Garden Gathering, our rightly popular fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, urging people across the country to get together with family and friends to welcome the sun, and bring the fun in the North West this summer.

Whether you host a barbecue with beer, or an afternoon tea with pink lemonade and a playlist, all money raised by those taking part is set to make a real difference to the 15,256 people living with Parkinson’s in the North West.

Your Garden Gathering event can be as creative as you like, and Parkinson’s UK has put together a free fundraising pack full of tips and goodies, including festival wristbands, a teepee donation box, a festival-themed fundraising game, and a recipe from me to help you get in the mood for fun.

I know first-hand how deeply Parkinson’s can impact not only the person living with the condition but also their loved ones, as my brother-in-law lived with it for many years.

All funds will go towards supporting everyone with Parkinson’s and ultimately take us closer to a cure.

I do hope you and your readers have a very happy and sun-filled summer, and I offer my personal thanks to anyone who decides to get involved.

To get a free fundraising pack visit parkinsons.org.uk/gardengathering or call 0800 138 6593.