Fly tipping complaints rise on Anglesey putting pressure on frontline workers during coronavirus

Fly-tipping has increased on Anglesey putting pressure on overstretched council workers during the coronavirus lockdown.

The island’s council say staff are also having to respond to reports of  illegal bonfires and nuisance noise complaints during a time when resources should be focused on responding to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The increase in illegal dumping has come as pressure grows on local authorities  to consider re-opening waste recycling facilities, which were among the first to close  to the public when the lockdown was put in place.

Anglesey’s planning and public protection portfolio holder, Cllr Richard Dew said: “This is a challenging time for us all and we understand that everyone is under significant additional pressures.

“Waste crimes like these are a growing national concern, and unfortunately we have seen an increase in fly tipping, bonfires and noise complaints on Anglesey during the past few of weeks.

“Our resources are already severely stretched and the minority who are illegally dumping waste on our roads and in the countryside are having a detrimental impact on the council’s services.

“I would urge everyone to act responsibly during these difficult times, to store any additional waste that is not suitable for the residual or recycling collections until normal services are resumed and to refrain from activities such as parties and bonfires.”

“Bonfires, in particular, whether they are in a back garden or a commercial premises, can exacerbate existing health conditions in all ages; notable asthma and breathing related conditions; especially Covid-19.

“The county council is working tirelessly to maintain our essential services and safeguard those most vulnerable within our communities.

“We will not tolerate any illegal or antisocial behaviour and would be grateful if residents could work with us and play their role in protecting our communities.”

Highways, waste and property portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry added, “Fly tipping is a blight on the island’s landscape and is something that we as an authority as well as residents feel is a matter that should be dealt with.”

“However, during this challenging period the council has to focus its resources on essential services in order to protect and support those most vulnerable within our communities.”

“We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful environment and the majority of residents do respect it and act in a responsible manner.

“There are however, some individuals who do fly tip and offer illegal waste removal services, and although we do recognise that this is a frustrating time for our residents, paying for such services is unlawful and could result in criminal charges.

“Anyone providing waste removal services must have a waste carriers permit and be able provide a receipt which should highlight that the waste is going to a licensed site. If the provider can’t provide this information, residents should inform the county council immediately.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter