Fly-tip shock for drivers

COUNCIL officials have apologised after drivers on a busy Rotherham road were forced to swerve past rubbish brazenly dumped by fly-tippers.

The shocking pictures show waste spotted by cyclist David Higginbottom after being dumped on Grange Lane at Brinsworth near Phoenix Golf Club off Bawtry Road on Monday morning.

The council said its wardens had recovered “significant amounts of evidence” from the illegal fly-tip, including details of the origins of the material, and was now investigating further with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators.

Those found guilty of fly-tipping can receive a fine of up to £50,000 or face five years in prison.

Shirley Hallam, Streetpride area manager for the council, said the authority was very grateful to be alerted to dangerous fly-tipping, adding: “We aim to remove items within four working days of a report.

“However, when fly tipping occurs within the carriageway and poses a danger to road users, we will deal with the report as soon as possible within a maximum four-hour period.

“Unfortunately, in this case, due to equipment breakdown we were not able to remove all the litter as quickly as we normally would.

“The area was made safe through barriers and warning signs and the items will be removed tomorrow (Tuesday).

“The incident was one of around 30 fly tipping reports received by the authority every day, with many being at out-of-the way locations.

“We use mobile CCTV cameras at fly-tipping hot-spots to capture evidence that enables us to prosecute offenders.

“This is why we are grateful to the public who witness such behaviour and for alerting us to new incidents, which are put on the list for removal.”

The cost of clearing up after fly-tippers is about £83,000 each year and depends on what is actually dumped.

The public can let the council know about incidences of fly tipping by calling (01709) 336003 or by emailing [email protected].

There is also a link on the council’s website where reports can be made.