ACTIONS tackling a flytipping hotspot have seen instances drop by about half in just 12 months.

Since measures were introduced in July 2018 by Denbighshire County Council, the weight of rubbish flytipped in West Rhyl has reduced from just under 16 tonnes to just over 9 per quarter.

The reduction in flytipping has saved thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money every week, and in June, Keep Wales Tidy ranked Denbighshire as the second best in Wales for the percentage of streets predominantly free of litter and refuse.

Cllr Brian Jones, lead member for waste, transport and the environment, said: “I’d like to thank the residents of West Rhyl for getting behind this work and ensuring their neighbourhoods and communities are kept clean – we could not have done this without their help.

“Flytipping is an offence and has a huge impact and through working with the community and enforcement we have managed to reduce the problem.

“This means the amount of rubbish accumulating has been reduced and also the cost to the authority and the people of Denbighshire has been brought down.”

Measures included in the plan have seen several hundred properties transferred from sack bin collections to traditional wheelie bins - reducing the risk of seagulls dispersing refuse - and encouraging residents to recycle.

CCTV cameras have also been installed at hot spots across the area as well as providing additional bins and engaging with landlords.

As a result, the number of actions, which includes letters and warnings to residents, taken by the Council has increased from 66 a quarter to 145 while the number of complaints has decreased from 139 a quarter to 44.

Further work will take place in the area to target specific issues as well as to cut down on the cross contamination of waste.

“We will continue to ensure that anyone fly tipping is prosecuted. A conviction of flytipping is serious and can prevent a person applying for certain jobs and can exclude them from housing lists.”

Residents who wish to report flytipping can contact the council on 01824 706000.