Bradford Council is investigating the large dump at Scholemoor Cemetery where household waste, furniture, rubble, and potentially hazardous materials were discovered across the site.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said officers have attended the cemetery.
He said: “The council is aware of reports of fly-tipping at Scholemoor Cemetery and is currently investigating the matter.”
Images of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)
What was dumped?
In images taken by the T&A on Monday, a rubbish bin can be seen by a large stone memorial, overflowing with discarded bottles and waste.
Separate images reveal what appears to be a significant pile of construction and demolition waste, including concrete slabs, timber, and rubble.
Cllr Walker added: “Officers attended the site and identified a quantity of household items and waste, including materials suspected to contain asbestos.
“Due to the nature of the waste, appropriate procedures are being followed to ensure its safe removal and disposal.”
Images of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)
Based on photos from the scene, the most extensive dumping involved large quantities of household furniture and domestic waste abandoned close to graves.
Mattresses, foam cushions, wardrobes, broken drawers, cabinets, timber, textiles, and household rubbish have been dumped along a path running through the cemetery.
Images of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)
Other photographs reveal a sprawling heap containing dismantled furniture, clothing, bedding, toys, black refuse sacks, and plastic items spread across a wide area of dry grass.
The scale of the dumping suggests the waste may have originated from a house clearance or multiple domestic clearances.
Images of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)
What is the council doing about it?
Councillor Walker said the council’s enforcement team was working to establish who was responsible.
He said: “The council is working closely with its enforcement team to establish how the waste came to be deposited at the site.
“Any available evidence will be reviewed as part of the investigation and, where sufficient evidence is identified, the council will consider taking enforcement action, including prosecution of those responsible.”
Images of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)
Cllr Walker added: “The council takes fly-tipping seriously and remains committed to keeping cemeteries and other public spaces clean, safe, and respectful places for residents and visitors.”
The council has reminded residents that fly-tipping is a criminal offence.
Anyone with any information, can report it to Bradford Council online or by calling 01274 431000.