Flytipping is slashed by a third

FLYTIPPING has fallen by a third in Oldham compared with a drop of only 9 per cent nationwide.

Figures from central government show 1,056 cases of flytipping in Oldham this year compared with 1,525 in 2007/08.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The council is well aware of the negative impact that flytipping has on an area and I can assure residents that Oldham Council does all that it can to deal with this unsightly crime.

“The council is committed to making the best possible use of all current legislation and has taken a robust stance on prosecuting flytippers whenever it can.

“Officers regularly check all businesses to ensure that owners are aware of their waste disposal responsibilities and have appropriate arrangements in place.

“Fines can be up to £50,000 or five years imprisonment and illegal tippers can have their vehicles seized and also be banned from driving.

“As well as enforcement and compliance the council has also invested in improving access to waste facilities such as Bulky Bobs where large items can be collected and recycled for free.

“Officers also provide education in schools, to community groups and work with the council’s very own team of volunteer Litterwatchers so that people know what to do in order to quickly deal with cases of flytipping and prevent it from happening again.

“Flytipping is a problem that everyone needs to acknowledge and we are helped a great deal by staff from other organisations such as police officers, PCSOs and FCHO employees to name a few and by putting our staff at sites across the borough to get them nearer to the areas they are responsible for.”


If you spot any flytipped waste or catch anyone flytipping, you can call the council on 0161-770 6644 or send an email to www.oldham.gov.uk/council/online-services/report_a_problem.htm