Fly-tipping statistics released by Epping Forest District Council (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Fly-tipping statistics released by Epping Forest District Council

1:07pm Monday 8th February 2010

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CHEMICAL drums, vehicle parts, and asbestos are among items dumped amid a total of nearly 5,000 incidents of fly-tipping recorded across the district since 2006.

Figures released to the Guardian by Epping Forest District Council show, since April 2006 to the present day, officers have cleaned up 4,950 fly-tipping incidents at a total cost of £281,019.

Despite thousands of environmental health investigations into the incidents, there have only been three successful prosecutions in those four years resulting in total fines of £1,224.

Betty Ward, 74, of Emberson Way, North Weald, who recently drew attention to regular fly-tipping at a field near her home was astonished by the figures.

She said: “That's a huge amount. I'm amazed at that amount, but you do see a lot as you drive around.

“It's just not very nice to look at and once you've got one person dumping at an area everyone does it.

“They should be prosecuted more, but it's a matter of finding them. How do you chase them? When do they do it?”

Roding Valley Nature Reserve, in Loughton, has been a repeat target for fly-tippers.

Warden Patrick Bailey said: “From one week to the next we find new items. We get old TVs, sofas, mattresses.

“It's difficult for the council to prosecute, because of the proof needed and the expense. They need more people on the case and more awareness among people and businesses.

“In commercial fly-tipping the fines aren't enough of a deterrent. If you do it regularly you can get caught once in every two or three times and still break even.”

The district council have been asked to comment on the figures.

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