Fly-tipping continues to blight Bradford's streets

Bradford Council has warned rogue traders, who often advertise on social media platforms, look to make a fast buck at this time of year by picking up rubbish - then fly-tipping on the district’s streets and countryside.

If rubbish does end up fly-tipped, the householder can be held as responsible as the criminal who dumped it. 

These shocking pictures show how the scourge of fly-tipping is blighting Holme Wood and Bierley. 

Melcombe Walk, Holme Wood

Burberry Close, Bierley

Matt Edwards, a Green Party campaigner for Tong ward said: “Some of the examples of fly-tipping across parts of the south side of the city are absolutely shocking. Most of the waste we are seeing is household waste and we know that this is being done at an industrial scale by dodgy dealers."

He said the fire service had been called to Burberry close in Bierley after some of the dumped rubbish was set alight.

"I am asking residents to be extra careful when paying people to remove their rubbish," added Mr Edwards.

“Bradford Council offer their own collection service which is very reasonably priced and you aren’t going to run the risk of an expensive fine.”

Bradford Council advises: “All householders have a legal Duty of Care which requires them to take all reasonable measures to ensure that anyone carrying and disposing of their waste is authorised to do so. If you employ a waste carrier you must have details of the carrier’s business and vehicle, a receipt for the transaction and a copy of the waste carrier’s licence.

"If you cannot produce these to a Council officer, you can be liable for prosecution if the waste is dumped instead of legally disposed of at an authorised site. Not knowing the law is not accepted as a defence.”

Enforcement offers can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £250 to householders or to prosecute offenders. If that's not paid, or the offence is considered more serious, a court prosecution could include the householder picking up a criminal record as well as a fine of up to £5,000 and costs.

Mr Edwards said the Council needs to "think outside the box" to tackle the problem.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We have been working with the residents of this area for some time to try and solve the problem of fly-tipping. The Council has responded to all complaints and arrangements have been made in the past to remove the waste as soon as possible.

"All incidents of fly-tipping are investigated by Bradford Council to try and identify anything among the rubbish which can indicate its source so we can take action.

"A number of multi-agency approaches involving various Council departments have previously been implemented."

The spokesman said regular campaigns are run to raise awareness and Neighbourhood Wardens "will continue to proactively work in the area". 
 If people see fly-tipping taking place, they are urged to note down as many details as possible, and inform the Council. Fly-tipping can be reported be calling 01274 431000 or online at www.bradford.gov.uk.