Two West Suffolk councils are getting tough on fly tippers.
As part of their joint No Excuses anti-littering campaign Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council are getting tough on people who illegally dump rubbish in the districts. This criminal activity costs law-abiding residents money as their council tax is used to clear up the debris.
Both councils will continue to educate people in the correct way to dispose of their waste, but they will now be taking a tougher stance on dealing with offenders.
A covert observation system will be used at known dumping 'hot-spots' and the recorded film evidence will be used to assist in any prosecutions that arise. Fly-tipping is considered a serious criminal offence with fines of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment.
The advanced technology can, and has been, used successfully across the country to monitor cases of fly tipping and graffiti.
Cllr Tony Simmons, Member Champion for the Environment at Forest Heath District Council, said:
"We still believe that education achieves the best results, however there are some people who aren't hearing our message. The considered use of this equipment will help us catch these people in the act of dumping rubbish. We now have to get tough to keep our countryside green, clean and safe."
Cllr Peter Stevens, St Edmundsbury Borough Council Cabinet member for environment said
"The No Excuses campaign is promoting personal responsibility for waste produced at home and raise awareness of the impact of fly-tipping. If you are getting rid of rubbish you are responsible for making sure it is disposed of legally. If you see someone fly-tipping or you would like to report an incident please contact us with as much information as possible. We will investigate incidents and seek to prosecute offenders".
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Contact us: Forest Heath District Council 01638 71924, sort-it@forest-heath.gov.uk St Edmundsbury Borough Council 01284 757320 waste.management@stedsbc.gov.uk or phone
For further information please contact:
Sally Rodé, Communications Manager Phone: 01638 719361 Email sally.rode@forest-heath.gov.uk,
Julie White, Communications Officer Phone: 01638 719236 Email: Julie.white@forest-heath.gov.uk
Chloe Bone, Communications Officer Phone: 01638 179728 Email: Chloe.bone@forest-heath.gov.uk
