Fed up with fly-tipping? Support Upminster residents’ association’s government petition
Massive mounds of rubbish left in Little Gerpins Lane, Upminster. - Credit: Archant
A petition for the government to do more to tackle fly-tippers was launched by a residents’ association today.
The 20-yard skip left in Little Gerpins Lane, Upminster. - Credit: Archant
Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association (UCRA) made the call for action following widespread community concern over the escalation of the illegal activity around the borough.
Councillors, police and Havering Council’s director of neighbourhoods, Steve Moore, listened to fed up residents at a public meeting held in St Joseph’s Social Hall, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, on March 1.
Cllr Linda Van den Hende (Upminster, RA) said: “Fly-tipping is a growing problem not only in our borough, but right across the country.
“It costs around £100million a year to clean up and is increasingly the focus of organised criminal gangs.
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“Enforcement and effective penalties are key in tackling this problem and sanctions need to be much tougher.
“There also needs to be a multi-agency national strategy in place and bodies such as the police, local authorities and the Environment Agency given sufficient resources to tackle the problem effectively.”
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A joint operation – called Operation Bayleaf – has also been set up and is designed to share intelligence and actions.
Agencies involved include Havering Council, the Metropolitan, Essex and Hertfordshire police forces, the Environment Agency, Crimestoppers, the serious crime directorate and Epping Forest Council.
“Fly-tipping, small or large, is unacceptable in our community and we are exploring all options available to us to tackle the problem as effectively as possible,” added Cllr Linda Hawthorn.
“Meanwhile, I would urge everyone to support our petition so that the profile of this issue is raised at the highest level.”
The petition calls for fixed penalties to be raised to £1,000 with £50,000 fines and a 12-month prison sentence for serious offenders.
UCRA calls for fly-tippers to be made to pay all clear up costs, their vehicles confiscated and driving licence removed.
To sign the petition visit click here, visit ucra.co.uk, or contact Cllr Hawthorn at linda.hawthorn@havering.gov.uk.
