Forum Topic

Fly tipping -  in our front garden

I live on Boston Manor Road and on Monday 27th April 2 large single mattresses were fly tipped in our front garden.  They were left leaning against our front door some time between 2.40pm and 3pm.  This is cunning, as anyone noticing fly tipping on the public highway would be likely to take a note of the number plate and report it. However, having the audacity to walk up someone's path means it could look like a delivery is being made and wouldn't attract attention.  Needless to say the Council don't wish to know, (they didn't even want to make a note of it happening), as it was dumped on private property.  Neither do the Council offer a service whereby they'll collect large items (even for a fee).  I've reported it to the local Police's Safer Neighbourhood Team but haven't yet had a call back about it.  We are left with two mouldy mattresses that we have to dispose of.  Be on the look out for similar tactics.  Local Councillors - any advice?

Helen Walker ● 6239d6 Comments

I should of course have started by saying what a mean thing to do to you. :(Fly-tipping certainly costs the Councils (ie Council Tax payers = US) thousands of pounds that could be better used elsewhere.  It also attracts more fly-tipping.When companies run 'take back' schemes for bulky items like fridges and beds it makes it easier for customers who could/should always be asked if they want to take advantage of the scheme when buying new. (At least one British bed company does do this now.)I like the LB Brent's website with regard to this - take a look - they also have links to all their surrounding boroughs which gives a good overview on what is happening.Public info on fly-tipping and the fines it can incur is always needed. LBE had (maybe still have)CCTV pictures on their website so that fly-tippers could be identified.Certainly also ask the Council to investigate any fly-tipping rather than just take it away so that they can prosecute offenders.Any friends or neighbours who can help you take them to the Reuse & Recycling Centre? (Check the rules before you go - in case you need a Council Tax receipt or can't use a van etc etc.)

Philippa Bond ● 6237d

Thank you Vanessa, that is very interesting.  The response I got was 'nothing to do with us' so it's difficult to know how to progress beyond that. I did get a call back from the local Safer Neighbourhood Sgt. who was very pleasant but didn't seem to think there was anything he could do either.  I suggested at the very least the perpetrators had trespassed on my land and dumped rubbish but this apparently doesn't seem to qualify as a crime!

Helen Walker ● 6237d

The council SHOULD investigate the tip to see if there is any evidence as to where it may have come from. The council DO have powers delegated to them from the Environment Agency to prosecute fly tippers even if they fly tip on private land.

Vanessa Smith ● 6238d

Many thanks Matt and Philippa.  You're right about the web page - I didn't read beyond 'We do not collect..."  I will email you Matt with my address, but I understand getting the charge waived could be difficult. I really wanted to warn other people about this new tactic, as it's sly and and a public nuisance.

Helen Walker ● 6238d

This is the LBH page:http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/environment_and_planning/recycling/household_waste/bulky_waste.htmIt starts very negatively and only if you carry on reading right to the very end tells you about a charity that will collect furniture free of charge.  (Compare with LB Richmond's pages.)Perhaps it should be more positive and also suggest freecycle and reuze and dontdumpthat and recyclenow amongst other sites.

Philippa Bond ● 6238d

Helen, what a terrible thing to happen. There is a Council service, called Tidy Town, that you can use. It costs £25 to remove the items - they'll take up to 5 items for that price so if you have other things to get rid of then include them. If you like I will try and get the charge removed, though that may be difficult. The number to call is 020 8583 5555.Email me your details if you'd like me to try this. I can also then pass the details to the Safer Neighbourhood Team to make sure they know about this.Matt HarmerBrentford ward councillor

Matt Harmer ● 6238d