Labour calls for Northampton council to install CCTV cameras at fly-tipping hotspots to tackle problem

Labour has called on Northampton Borough Council to tackle the fly-tipping issue in the town by installing CCTV cameras at known hotspots.

The lack of video evidence makes it difficult to prosecute offenders but St James councillor Rufia Ashraf believes security cameras would solve that problem as well as deterring others.

The council said it is trialling cameras in some parts of the borough and more may be installed if it proves successful.

Cllr Ashraf said: “In St James there are many hotspot areas, however I believe if we installed CCTV, the fly tipping may stop, but we won’t know until the CCTV is up.

"I have raised my concerns with the environment portfolio holder many times however; I have not seen any action taken."

Cllr Ashraf believes fly-tipping is an emotive issue for residents who have become frustrated by continuing to report incidents but not seeing any action taken.

Just yesterday (Wednesday, July 1), firefighters had to extinguish about 40 square metres of fly-tipped refuse on fire in Horsley Road, Queens Park.

"Residents are right to be frustrated and angry as they see fly tipping daily," she said.

"With the powers the council has, it could install CCTV across the town where there is major fly-tipping.

"Everyone knows I am passionate about the environment however, moving forward I'd like to see a campaign to educate people about the way they can dispose of household goods instead of dumping them on the streets which has a huge impact on our environment."

Cabinet member for environment Mike Hallam said: “We are in the process of trialling cameras in some parts of the borough which experience high levels of fly-tipping.

“If this proves successful, we might consider further similar measures.”