Members of the public have been urged not to “compromise evidence” as culprits are soughtAnger over repeated fly-tipping in Gloucester street
There is frustration over the repeated dumping of rubbish in a Gloucester street as civic chiefs say they will fine the offenders.
Hempsted resident Roger Critchley reported the fly-tipping in Sudmeadow Road earlier this month and provided evidence of the names and addresses of the people he believes left the rubbish – but is frustrated over what he perceives to be a lack of action since.
Gloucester City Council has confirmed to Gloucestershire Live that it is looking to take legal action against those responsible for the rubbish and has apologised to Mr Critchley for the delays in removing the waste, which includes asbestos.
“It was reported to the council within the last two weeks with the addresses of the people who deposited the rubbish,” he said.
“I spoke to the council and I gave them all the information they required and the name of the man who put it there.
“But nothing has been done about it.
“I spoke to [Cllr] Rebecca Trimnell and with all due respects, she’s done the best to get it removed.
“But I’ve had no response from the council whatsoever and I’m going to take it to the management now and I shall meet [council leader] Jeremy Hilton over it because it is an absolute disgrace on the council’s part.”
A city council spokesperson said: “We apologise to Mr Critchley for the delay in removing this waste.
“Although our team attended the site to clear the fly-tipping, they discovered material suspected to contain asbestos among the dumped rubbish.
“Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of asbestos. Unfortunately, it can only be removed safely by fully licensed specialist contractors. One has now been appointed and arrangements are in place for the waste to be removed as soon as possible.
“Evidence found within the fly-tipped material will enable officers to identify those responsible, and enforcement action will be taken in the form of a fine. We have spoken directly with Mr Critchley to explain the reasons for the delay.”
The waste dumped in Sudmeadow Road, Gloucester.(Image: Submitted)
The council also said that further fly-tipping has since occurred at the same location, which is being investigated by officers with a view to identifying those responsible and pursuing appropriate legal action.
“We would urge anyone who discovers suspected fly-tipping to leave the waste undisturbed and report it to the council via our online reporting service: Report fly-tipping,” the spokesperson added.
“Members of the public should not attempt to search through dumped material. Not only could it contain hazardous substances such as asbestos, but disturbing the waste may also compromise evidence that could help identify offenders and support enforcement action.
“Gloucester City Council takes fly-tipping extremely seriously and will not tolerate environmental crime of any kind. In fact, an individual is due to be sentenced shortly following a successful council investigation into five separate fly-tipping offences, demonstrating our commitment to holding offenders to account and protecting our communities.”
Cllr Trimnell (LD, Westgate), who is the city and county councillor for the area, is appealing directly to those using Sudmeadow Road near to the city centre to stop their illegal dumping and think of the residents who live in this street.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell(Image: Rebecca Trimnell)
“A street where people live should be safe, clean and a welcoming place, not a dumping ground for other people’s rubbish,” she said.
“This repeated illegal dumping is not only an eyesore, but it attracts vermin, creates smells, damages the local environment and makes residents feel that their community is being neglected.
“It is unfortunate that this fly-tipping has happened days after the three-month closure of Hempsted recycling centre for improvement works, but it is not the first time rubbish has been illegally dumped in this spot as it’s happened before even when the nearby recycling centre was open.
“I do however want this to be the last time that rubbish is dumped here, it’s thoughtless and inconsiderate behaviour. Our communities deserve better than their streets being treated as a dumping ground”.
She said the city council is aware of the fly-tipped rubbish and is working with Ubico and local residents to get it moved as soon as possible.
Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) said fly-tipping is unacceptable.
“We strongly condemn it,” she said.
“There is no excuse for illegally dumping waste, and people should use the appropriate waste and recycling facilities available to them.
“This location has experienced repeated incidents of fly-tipping previously, including when Hempsted household recycling centre was open. We will continue to support our district colleagues in tackling fly-tipping and discouraging this irresponsible behaviour.”