Specialists could tackle flytipping across BCP Council area
A SPECIAL team could be brought in to tackle incidents of flytipping in Christchurch after an increase in the crime.
Reports rose during lockdown of rubbish being dumped in places like beauty spots and laybys amid restrictions and closures at local tips.
The latest incident in Christchurch happened at Ambury Lane, Burton, where a soiled mattress was found.
Now the council is considering whether to bring in an outside company to investigate incidents of flytipping across the BCP area.
It would also have the power potentially to fine or prosecute anyone they catch.
The decision whether to create the flytipping team will be considered by the ruling cabinet on 26th May. If approved, it could be in place by the summer.
Just recently two sets of flytippers dumped mounds of rubbish in the New Forest and Christchurch which included paint tins, piping, wooden boards, and a soiled mattress.
Flytipping not only costs the council thousands a year to clean up but can also be dangerous to people and livestock.
Cllr May Haines, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Flytipping is an environmental crime and undermines the majority of local residents who want to live and work in a clean and safe environment.
"We are committed to tackling the issue and these plans are an ideal opportunity to reduce incidents of flytipping whilst remaining cost neutral to the council.
Cllr Mark Anderson, cabinet member for environment, cleansing and waste, added: “Everyone has a responsibility to make sure their rubbish is disposed of responsibly and not flytipped.
“People should always make sure they use a genuine waste carrier to get rid of their rubbish.
"Check their proof of registration with the Environment Agency, ask how your rubbish is going to be disposed of and ask for a proper invoice or waste transfer note or receipt, because if it’s later found to be fly tipped, they can be fined.”
In 2019/20 alone, local authorities in England dealt with just under 1-million flytipping incidents that cost hundreds of millions of pounds.
