Door-to-door probe into dumping of raw meat
DOOR-TO-DOOR enquiries have been made to catch those responsible for dumping large piles of raw meat in Stockport, the council has confirmed.
Council officers have stepped up the search to find the culprit/s by checking CCTV footage, visiting known locations, and clearing up affected areas as quickly as possible when incidents are received.
Throughout last year, large amounts of red meat, chicken legs and eggs have been regularly appearing at locations around the Whitehill industrial estate near Manchester Road Park, with bags as heavy as 20kg being collected during the clean up.
Labour candidate for Reddish South, Jo Williams, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that people are “really worried” about the incidents.
She said that it’s not known why the raw meat is being dumped, but that it could be either individuals or businesses trying to get rid of excess food.
Another suggestion was that it could be being left to harm dogs, but no incidents have been found of this happening in Stockport so far.
Reports have also come from areas in Manchester, including in Belle Vue, Greenbank playing fields, and Nutsford Vale Country Park.
Councillor Grace Baynham, Stockport’s cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told councillors at the last full council meeting on January 11 that the council is working with partners in Manchester who have “experienced similar incidents”.
She said: “Stockport council are aware of the meat being dumped at a number of locations around the South Reddish and Heaton Chapel area.
“Our contractors have been cleaning up the affected areas as quickly as possible following reports, and the officers from the neighbourhood services are investigating to identify those responsible.
“Officers regularly check known locations, some door-to-door enquiries have been made, and local CCTV coverage is being assessed.
“Officers are liaising with counterparts in Manchester who have experienced similar incidents and will be making every effort to identify the person responsible and take legal action as appropriate.”
Coun Baynham added that Greater Manchester Police, Natural England, and the National Food Crime Unit are working with Stockport council as part of its investigation.
She urged members of the public to report any incidents to the council’s online fly-tipping form with locations, time frame, and any other relevant information.
The Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit confirmed that it is aware of the concerns and is liaising with Stockport council.
Joanne Gladstone, 48, lives in Belle Vue in Manchester and told the LDRS that she found “disgusting” raw meat dumped in the area around Scarcroft Road last weekend.
She said: “I went to work on Saturday at half past one and the meat wasn’t there. The following morning at 10 it was everywhere, there were chicken legs, red meat, and there was loads of it.”
Oisin Wood, who has found raw meat dumped near Greenbank playing fields in Manchester, said: “We adopted a dog in September and since then there have been at least six different times meat has been dumped.
“The people I have met there have said it has been happening for much longer.”
Manchester City Council told the LDRS that it is aware of incidents of meat being dumped and that it is investigating the issue alongside neighbouring local authorities.