Illegal waste burning at gypsy and traveller sites in Swansea is being clamped down on. Action is being taken by Swansea Council, South Wales Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Natural Resources Wales to tackle the problem.
Legal notices have been served and abatement notices issued while a court injunction has been obtained preventing the storage, transportation and burning of waste at the Ty Gwyn site in Llansamlet. The enforcement strategy aims to disrupt illegal waste activity at every stage, the council says.
Enforcement measures
This includes enhanced intelligence-gathering, closer monitoring of vehicle movements, targeting the sources and supply of waste, increased information sharing between agencies, and the consideration of additional surveillance and enforcement measures. At the same time council officers and legal advisers say they are undertaking a fresh review of every available option including further legal action, strengthened enforcement activity, eviction proceedings where appropriate, and additional partnership interventions.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: "The burning of waste is completely unacceptable. Residents are right to expect action and we want to be clear that this issue remains one of the council's highest priorities.
"We are taking this new action to stop the illegal movement, storage, and burning of waste, protect local communities from further disruption, and restore confidence that residents can enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods without the ongoing impact of these activities.
"All of the partners are determined to stop the continued burning of waste. We will continue working together, gathering evidence, pursuing enforcement action and applying every available legal mechanism until this issue is resolved.
"We hear residents, we share their frustration, and we are committed to taking every possible step to deliver the long-term solution local communities deserve."
Prosecution challenges
Residents understandably want to know why there have not yet been prosecutions. The law requires evidence identifying who started or organised the burning. Although there is clear evidence that burning continues, identifying individuals to the standard required by the courts remains extremely difficult. Without that evidence a prosecution is unlikely to succeed.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "We recognise the impact this issue is having on local residents and share their concerns. South Wales Police will continue to work alongside partner agencies to address unlawful activity, support enforcement action where appropriate, and do everything within our powers to help protect local communities.
"We remain committed to working with our partners to address the concerns of residents and support long-term solutions to this issue."
Partner responses
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Waste fires are more than just a nuisance. They can be unpredictable, pose significant risks to firefighters and communities, and release harmful smoke that can affect local people and the environment.
"Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service will continue to support partners in tackling this issue and helping to reduce the risks these incidents create for residents."
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the principal environmental regulator in Wales, responsible for protecting and enhancing the environment, natural resources, and wildlife. A spokesman added: "NRW investigates reports of pollution, environmental incidents, and wildlife crime, working closely with local authorities, emergency services, and other partner agencies where required.
"Members of the public play a vital role in helping to protect the environment and anyone who witnesses a pollution incident, significant environmental concern, or suspected wildlife crime is encouraged to report it to NRW's 24-hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000."
