What a load of rubbish!

Fly-tipping near the White House pub in Littleborough

A local man was shocked when he came across a very unwelcoming sight whilst on his afternoon stroll around Littleborough. Peter Connolly, who lives in the town, and often goes for walks around the area, was disgusted to find a heap of rubbish outside the White House pub.

This instance of fly-tipping, however, is not unique, and some have blamed the introduction of alternate weekly refuse collections for the increase. Mounds of rubbish have been appearing around Rochdale, much to the dismay of residents.

The alternate weekly collections have been criticised by residents, councillors of all parties and also the Communities and Local Government Committee, who last week reported that “there is no proof that fortnightly or the quaintly named 'alternate weekly' collections increase recycling and that they are totally unsuitable for urban areas like Rochdale.”

As well as citing the newly established fortnightly collections as forming part of the problem, there is a general feeling that the fly tipping is part of a wider problem involving a minority of the public holding a general disrespect for the environment and local beauty spots.

Peter Connolly commented: “It is something that is very disappointing and such a shame in an area of such natural beauty although I know it is something that is happening all over the borough.”

Mr Connolly agreed that people need to have more respect for the environment stating: “As well as people dropping litter, I often see 4x4s racing along the moors and also through other beauty spots like Healey Dell. It’s just not acceptable.”