Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents in the woodland surrounding The Wrekin and Ercall. The illegal dumping of household, garden and sometimes even commercial waste can have a huge impact on the environment and often ruins the outdoor experience for visitors to the area. Recently, a dump of asbestos was discovered at The Ercall, which could have could caused harm to the people and wildlife in the area. Hazardous wastes, including asbestos, require clean-up by Telford & Wrekin Council, which costs money.
Telford & Wrekin Council is warning members of the public that CCTV cameras are to be used in the battle against littering and fly-tipping around The Wrekin.
As part of its enforcement drive against environmental crime, the Council has a number of mobile cameras that it can deploy to problem areas. This includes areas around the borough’s popular beauty spot.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: “We have been working hard with West Mercia Police, volunteers such as our Street Champions and our contractor idverde to try to keep this beauty spot clean with events such as litterpicks, patrols and grounds cleansing.
“We have also worked with private landowners on The Wrekin, giving them advice on measures they can take to prevent fly-tipping and, where possible, bring a private prosecution.
“We are now upping the game again by bringing in CCTV cameras, a move which is being supported by McDonalds in Wrekin Retail Park. When a fly-tip is reported to us our enforcement officers carry out an investigation, which includes sifting through the fly-tipped rubbish for clues. The use of mobile CCTV cameras will help track down and identify those who continue to blight our borough and, in particular, The Wrekin.”
Telford Rural and Business Crime Officer from West Mercia Police Mark Blackstock said: “We’re pleased to be supporting Telford & Wrekin Council in this initiative. This week is National Wildlife and Rural Crime Week and we’re really aware of the impact rural crime has on our local communities.
“Fly-tipping doesn’t just ruin the beautiful countryside we’re lucky enough to have but it can be a magnet for other crime issues, such as anti-social fires.
“It is not always the case but we do know those who fly-tip can often be involved in wider crime and identifying and prosecuting those responsible will play a part in disrupting their criminal activity.”
The fine (Fixed Penalty Notice) for fly-tipping is £400, for littering it is £80.
If you spot any fly-tipping, see rubbish being dumped or know someone who is doing it (don't confront them) report it to us here: https://www.telford.gov.uk/info/20482/street_care_and_cleaning/212/fly-tipping_dumped_rubbish/2
(Thanks to Telford & Wrekin Council for producing the text for this item).