Ashworth Valley residents determined to stop fly tipping

Ashworth Valley fly tipping on Boxing Day

After an incident of fly tipping on Christmas Day that infuriated residents, those living at Ashworth Valley are determined to stop fly tippers using their land as a dumping ground.

At a meeting of residents and local councillors on Friday (9 January), fly tippers are being warned that they are being watched and that they will be prosecuted.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Rochdale Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, who attended the meeting, said: “To me the environment is a priority and this is a major problem and we will always do what we can. It is music to my ears when I hear that people have been successfully prosecuted.”

Councillor Peter Rush added: “This is the perfect example of somewhere that needs something to be done. We need to focus on the area and stop people from doing this here. We need to name and shame these people.”

Residents decided to take action over the fly tippers after an incident, which was reported on Rochdale Online, made them see red.

Martin Whiteley, who lives in the area, said: “This has all stemmed from Christmas day and the incident that took place. This is not an area where this should happen.”

Residents are finding that rubbish being tipped on to their land is not only household rubbish but larger items including fridge freezers, tyres and even cannabis plants and ventilation systems.

Councillor James Gartisde, one of the ward councillors for the area, said: “I think we need to take the steps to show people that this is not a place to fly tip.”

Residents who live at Ashworth Valley want to ensure that the area stays as the beautiful conservation area that it is supposed to be.

Councillor Beswick added: “We will go back and look at what other options are available and implement them where we can. This is an area that needs to be protected and not abused.”

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93390/flytipping-in-ashworth-valley-on-christmas-day

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/129/letters-to-the-editor/93391/caught-on-cctv-throwing-black-bin-bags