An illegal fly-tip described as an “environmental crime” has been dealt with by Gateshead Council, with the clean-up bill likely to run into the tens of thousands.
Local authority staff, accompanied by a fleet of vehicles, set to work this morning removing a fly-tip and prospective bonfire at Dorset Avenue, Birtley. A council service director stated that if the bonfire had been allowed to go ahead, the presence of plastics, medical equipment, syringes, catheters, white goods, tyres, and gas bottles in the stack would have posed a serious public safety concern.
Clean-up cost estimated over £20,000
Speaking to ChronicleLive, Michael Lamb, service director of environment, fleet management, leisure and libraries at Gateshead Council, said the job would probably cost in excess of £20,000 to clear up and then dispose of.
Mr Lamb continued: “It is fly-tipping, plain and simple, and it is an environmental crime, and it is costing the council thousands. I would rather be spending this money in our parks and play areas.
“There is a lovely play area over there; I would rather be investing money in that than spending it on removing this fly-tipping.”
Public safety concerns ahead of Bonfire Night
Mr Lamb added: “If we allowed this to be ignited on Bonfire Night, there would be serious public safety issues; a lot of fumes from the plastics, gas bottles exploding, aerosols exploding. People would be complaining to the council that we have allowed this to happen, so from a public safety point of view we have got to remove it.”
According to the local authority, fly-tipping costs the council more than £400,000 a year. Residents are reminded that while the site has been used for bonfires before, dumping unwanted waste on an unauthorised site remains a criminal offence.
Fire service warns of resource strain
Group manager Andy Lillford from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fly-tipping and the dumping of illegal waste presents a real challenge for the Fire and Rescue Service. As we approach bonfire night this is one of the busiest times of the year for our firefighters.
“Anti-social behaviour fires draw our vital lifesaving resources away from genuine emergencies where the public may need our help, such as house fires and road traffic collisions. We are working closely with our partners including Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police to tackle ASB and wider issues.
“All our firefighters and fire engines are equipped with body-worn video cameras and CCTV. We strongly encourage the public to visit organised fireworks and bonfire events.”
Fly-tipping and other environmental crimes can be reported at www.gateshead.gov.uk/lwyl.
