'People were in uproar' - Broughton look to crack down on fly-tipping issue

Sofa cushions were dumped inside cardboard recycling bins on Foxfield Road, Broughton-in-Furness, and has prompted fears the recycling site is becoming a hot-spot for nuisance fly-tipping.

The rubbish was dumped just a few weeks after broken windowpanes and plastic waste were tipped at the site.

On both occasions, South Lakeland District Council operatives had to attend the site to cleanse and decontaminate the bins.

Following the latest instance of fly-tipping at the Broughton recycling site, High Furness Councillor Matt Brereton said: “This is incredibly frustrating – when I posted on a local community social media page about finding the broken windowpanes in the bins just a few weeks ago, people were in uproar.

“SLDC officers were quickly out to cleanse the site and we were all very keen to trace the perpetrators and nip this in the bud. Now another resident has found these sofa cushions, so we’ve had to go back to SLDC officers to see what more can be done.

“In the past, the site has had a CCTV camera set up, but this was a battery-powered system and the charge quickly ran down. The whole system was then stolen, which is slightly ironic to say the least.

ISSUE: Fly-tipping at Broughton recycling centre

“SLDC has looked into the possibility of installing another system, but without a nearby lamp-post as a source of electricity, it isn’t really feasible to risk another battery-powered system that will either conk out or end up getting pinched again.

“There was even a suggestion that the parish council should think about identifying another site for the recycling bins, but I think that is a bit drastic and we are not at that stage quite yet.

“The SLDC officers share my concerns that this is now becoming known as a soft target site where one or two disreputable traders are dumping domestic waste and contaminating the bins on their way back from household jobs.

ISSUE: Fly-tipping at Broughton recycling centre

“I would ask anyone having a house clearance or domestic building work done, involving the removal of rubble, unwanted fixtures, fittings or appliances, to please check your trader plans to dispose of the waste lawfully and responsibly. If fly-tipping can be traced back to you, even if dumped by a third party, you might be liable.

“I’d also remind householders that SLDC might be able to arrange a limited number of free uplifts of large or bulky items; I’d also urge all those using the recycling bins to check the signage, only put approved items in each bin, and take anything else home. Please compact your recyclables, including breaking down cardboard boxes to flatten them, to make room for other users.

“I’m very grateful for the efforts of SLDC officers to keep on top of this situation, and we as a community continue to be vigilant. If anyone sees any suspicious activity or fly-tipping at this site or anywhere else locally, please contact locality@southlakeland.gov.uk or escalate to Cumbria police via the 101 hotline or email via www.cumbria.police.uk/Contact-us.”