A major clean-up operation has seen 18 tonnes of fly-tipped waste removed from a woodland road.
Newark and Sherwood District Council led a week of action at Eakring Road, in partnership with Mansfield District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Via, and volunteers, to tackle long-standing issues of fly-tipping and environmental damage in the area.
The waste removed from the site included 10 tonnes of household waste, such as general rubbish and discarded furniture; three tonnes of hardcore and building waste, which was repurposed to fill mud and water traps on the road; five tonnes of metal, including burnt-out fridge freezers and other large metal debris; and numerous gas cannisters.
Fixed penalty notices were issued as part of enforcement action. Photo: Supplied
Much of the waste could have been disposed of legally at a household waste recycling centre.
Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Thank you to our street scene and environment enforcement teams, our partners and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this week of action. It’s been a long time coming, and while there’s still more to do, the difference we’ve made already is clear. Residents and trail users have stopped to chat with our teams, sharing their support and appreciation for the improvements. Their encouragement has been a real boost to everyone involved.
“Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to keeping our district clean, safe and welcoming for everyone. This week’s efforts show what we can achieve when we work together, but we need the continued support of our residents to maintain these improvements and prevent future fly-tipping.”
Much of the illegally dumped waste could have been disposed of at household waste recycling centres. Photo: SuppliedThe area has a long history of issues with fly-tipping and environmental damage. Photo: SuppliedA major clean up was carried out at Eakring Road. Photo: Supplied
As part of the enforcement activity, nine fixed penalty notices were issued in the area, with all but one paid, and trail cameras continue to monitor the site, supporting enforcement of a public spaces protection order.
During the clean-up, teams also discovered a small newt among the burnt-out waste — likely a smooth newt, a protected species — highlighting the impact fly-tipping has on wildlife and the importance of protecting natural spaces.
Erin McDaid, head of communications at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, added: “Fly tipping and illegal access along Eakring Road are long-term issues which continue to impact a range of sites including our Rainworth Heath Nature Reserve — a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
10 tonnes of household waste, including discarded furniture, was cleared. Photo: Supplied18 tonnes of waste were removed from Eakring Road. Photo: SuppliedNewark and Sherwood District Council, Mansfield District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Via, and volunteers teamed up to clear the site. Photo: Supplied
“We’re delighted to have been able to support the week of action which highlights the power of partnership and is the latest demonstration of partners’ determination to continue to co-operate to tackle challenging issues in the area.”
The district council has called on residents to help keep the district clean and safe by reporting fly-tips, which can be done via the council’s website. Residents are also urged to check for a valid waste carrier license and request a waste transfer receipt to ensure their waste is disposed of properly if using a waste carrier.
Additional clean-up work is scheduled to take place at the end of August, with teams returning to continue clearing the site.