Fly-tipping is one of the worst types of community vandalism a person can inflict on their community. It drags the morale down of people living in the local area, it causes embarrassment and disappointment.
I am constantly baffled as to why people choose to dump waste on their own community. We have waste recycling centres where you can deposit waste for free and a bulky waste collection service which costs very little to take large items away. There is no excuse for fly-tipping and if ESBC catch people, we will exercise the full weight of the powers available to the Council to punish those who break the law.
The Council does not exist to clear away rubbish left by people who are too lazy to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner. The Council exists to help residents make their area better but it can't do everything.
It's a well known phrase but it applies here too: "Ask not what the community can do for you, ask what can you do for your community."
The Council is elected by communities all over the Borough and it is part of that community. We all have a part to play if we want to live in a clean and safe environment.
I am pleased that East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Enforcement Team recently issued two fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping offences in the Borough but I would much rather it was not necessary.
Enforcement Officers will investigate all fly-tipping incidents. If evidence is found identifying the individuals concerned action will be taken against them. We are investing in mobile CCTV and will constantly review the way we tackle fly-tipping in an effort to reduce the problem.
If residents have any information please report the fly-tipping offence by telephoning 01283 508306, emailing community.civil_enforcement@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk or via the online report form on the East Staffordshire Borough Council webpage.