Fears of an increase in fly tipping

Concerns mounted after residents frequently saw waste along dog walks and at the side of country lanes.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act highlighted the problem on one road in the district and seemed to have confirmed suspicions.

But Bassetlaw Council stated the number of incidents reported across the district has fallen rather than increased.

Gateford resident David Larder said more still needs to be done to prevent further offences from taking place.

“It is so disgusting the way fly tipping has taken place all over Bassetlaw,” he said.

“It’s appalling. If we want to see a better Worksop we have to do something about this mess.”

The FOI document showed a steady increase in fly tipping over the past three years along Red Lane, situated between Carlton Road and Blyth Road.

In 2008, Bassetlaw Council made 23 collections on the road, compared to 30 in 2009. This number increased again to 32 last year.

From 1st January to the end of May of this year, the council has already made 13 collections on Red Lane.

The types of items collected include trees, car tyres, windows, rugs, furniture and other household waste.

Mr Larder added: “I have seen mattresses, old lounge and bedroom furniture, televisions and general waste blocking the lane.”

“It has created an eyesore on an otherwise really pleasant rural spot.”

Collection and the disposal of rubbish from Red Lane in 2010 cost the council close to £4,500.

Former Harworth resident Andrew Vaughan, who now lives in Tickhill, walks his dog along Styrrup Lane, in Oldcotes, at least once a week.

He said it is a common problem: “It’s Saturday or Sunday when people are clearing their garden out they drive past a blind spot and dump it off.”

“I saw asbestos there when walking my dog but it has been cleared now.”

The council offers a bulky waste collection service for just £5.20 an item and A1 Housing offer a similar service at the same price to their tenants.

“I think it’s reasonable. I got rid of a television, fridge freezer and a futon through the collection team, which was useful because we couldn’t get them in a three door hatchback,” Mr Vaughan added.

Bassetlaw Council said it was aware of the problem but maintained fly tipping across Bassetlaw was in decline.

Environmental Health’s Cleaner Safer Greener Lead Angela Edwards said: “Fly tipping has decreased in Bassetlaw over the last five years. In 2007/08 the total cost of clearance was £84,458.24. In 10/11 it was £54,883.73. There were 169 fewer incidents in 10/11 than in 07/08.”

“Our environmental services staff are now using GPS cameras so we can establish patterns as to where and when waste is dumped. We will use this intelligence to target illegal fly tippers. Fly tipping is criminal activity and is punishable upon conviction in a Magistrates Court by fines of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment.”

The council, however, has not made a successful prosecution in the last five years.

There is a Household Waste Recycling Centre on Shireoaks Road. For further information about disposing waste visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk