‘Disgraceful’, ‘disgusting’, ‘outrageous’, ‘filth’, ‘embarrassment’, ‘depressing’: Northampton neighbourhood slams fly-tipping 'crisis'

Liberal Democrat councillor Farzana Aldridge, who represents the Semilong ward, put out a social media post asking residents for their views on the fly-tipping “crisis”.

She analysed 334 comments and subsequently compiled a report looking at the problems and feelings in the area.

One resident said: “People have given up reporting it to the council as the council don’t do anything.”

Other comments included “makes me want to move” and “I wish I could afford to move”.

West Northamptonshire Council says its existing approach includes targeted patrols, CCTV, fixed penalty notices and prosecutions, saying fly-tipping is unacceptable.

Cllr Aldridge said stronger enforcement and CCTV were needed to tackle the problem.

“The only way of addressing the situation is stronger enforcement and installation of CCTV cameras.

“The council is beginning to take firmer action on the former, but the latter is still not being addressed.

“Residents in Semilong have been calling for better surveillance for several years, reflected again in what residents’ feedback and comments in the attached report.

“From my perspective as the local councillor for Semilong, unless there are CCTV cameras in the hotspots in Semilong the blight of fly-tipping will persist.”

Of the 334 comments analysed, around a quarter called for tougher enforcement, including fines and prosecutions.

Around one in ten specifically mentioned CCTV.

Residents also complained about repeat dumping and what they see as a lack of action from West Northamptonshire Council.

The report says: “Clearance without deterrence isn't solving anything.”

Cllr Aldridge said the analysis was based on “real data and commentary from residents” and was intended to help the Community Action Group Semilong, council officers and councillors understand the strength of feeling.

Residents also raised concerns about HMOs, landlords, waste disposal and rubbish collections. These were put forward by residents as possible causes or contributing factors, rather than established causes of the fly-tipping problem.

The report also highlights residents taking matters into their own hands by reporting rubbish, taking photographs, litter-picking and chasing the council for action.

West Northamptonshire Council says its existing approach includes targeted patrols, CCTV, fixed penalty notices and prosecutions.

But the report suggests there is a gap between the council's policy and what residents believe they are seeing on the streets of Semilong.

Cllr Andrew Last, cabinet member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, said fly-tipping was “totally unacceptable”.

“Fly tipping is totally unacceptable, a huge problem for all councils and we fully understand the impact it has on our residents. Tackling this blight in our community is a priority for us.

“We have been undertaking more visible patrolling within many areas of West Northamptonshire, including Semilong and work closely with our contractor to remove fly tipping from our land as quickly as we can. Landowners are responsible for clearing fly tipping on private land.

“With sufficient evidence we will always take action against offenders, who can face heavy fines or be taken to court. We use a range of methods to investigate, including camera surveillance, but we won’t discuss specific locations as this could affect ongoing investigations.

“Residents can play a crucial part in helping us bring offenders to justice by sharing with us any footage from doorbell cameras, CCTV or dashcams that might help identify them.

“If they see fly tipping, they are urged to report it to us via our app, website or phone so we can take swift action.

“We take a multi-team approach to encourage residents to have pride in their local area and ensure they know how to dispose of their waste responsibly by taking it to a household waste recycling centre, via our bulky waste service or by using a licensed waste carrier.”