NEWSROOM

The area has seen repeated incidents of fly‑tipping, causing frustration for residents and creating an eyesore in the community and enforcement action has previously been difficult due to a lack of witness statements.

Thanks to the community‑minded actions of residents, the Council recently obtained information that enabled officers to identify the perpetrator and issue an interview under caution.

During the interview, the individual claimed that the items left on Stone Row were not waste, stating they were intended for a DIY project and awaiting collection by a friend. This explanation was rejected.

The items remained in place for seven days before being removed by Idverde - providing more than enough time for them to be retrieved. Officers concluded the waste had been deliberately deposited, and the early payment has now been fully paid.

This case demonstrates the power of local pride and community spirit in tackling environmental offences. Even without CCTV, there are residents who take pride in their neighbourhoods and will not tolerate those who blight them with illegal dumping.

Councillor Richard Overton, Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “This case shows exactly what can be achieved when communities stand together.

“Fly‑tipping is not only illegal – it’s disrespectful to the people who live nearby and to our wider borough. Thanks to the vigilance and community spirit of residents, we’ve been able to take firm action and send a clear message to anyone thinking about dumping waste: you will be held to account.

“We will continue to crack down on fly‑tipping and work alongside residents to keep our neighbourhoods clean, safe, and places we can all be proud of.”

Residents are reminded that there are simple, legal and responsible ways to dispose of waste:

• Use your household waste and recycling collections as scheduled.
• Take large items or excess rubbish to the Council’s Household Recycling Centres at Hortonwood and Halesfield (open daily 9am–5pm except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
• Arrange a bulky waste collection through the Council.

The Council continues to crack down on fly-tipping and this latest prosection reflects its zero-tolerance approach to wrongdoing and its commitment to keeping Telford and Wrekin cleaner, greener and safer to create a better borough.

Report fly‑tipping online at www.telford.gov.uk/flytipping or call the confidential hotline on 01952 388 800.