Allerton: Extreme case of fly-tipping reduces man to tears

A burnt out van and a fridge freezer were among the items dumped on grassland in Allerton this past week.

The area between Crediton Avenue and Saffron Drive, locally known as Dog Lane, is overlooked by St Matthew's Catholic Primary School.

The full extent of the fly-tipping (Image: Newsquest)

Been there for almost a fortnight

It is understood the fly-tipping has been there since Bonfire Night on Tuesday, November 5.

The council says it takes reports of fly-tipping "very seriously".

It is also working to secure the site against further fly-tipping and anti-social vehicle use.

A burnt out van is amongst the items dumped (Image: Newsquest)

'Summer of terror'

One resident said the bonfire is just the latest episode on the land which has been dominated by a "summer of terror".

He lists anti-social behaviour and reckless driving among the reasons why he and his neighbours are "scared".

A sign saying 'Welcome to Allerton' was in the fly-tipping last week (Image: UGC) The resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Council workers need to finish off clearing the rubbish and the burnt-out vehicle.

"It comes as a culmination of a summer of terror and mayhem in this area.

"Me and my neighbours have had enough of the anti-social behaviour going on repeatedly. We are scared!

"That grass has been used all summer for off-road vehicles and quad bikes. It has been torn up and the new trees have been driven over.

"The grass (what's left of it) is totally unusable as a play space or dog walking area. Something has to be done!

"We are being terrorised by gangs of youths riding motorbikes dangerously and without helmets on across the estate roads and using Dog Lane as a cut through.

"At the very least the council needs to be doing something to stop vehicles getting access to the site, blocking access on Dog Lane - the top of Crediton Avenue and the slope towards Bell Dean.

"The field should be an asset to the area, but at present it’s a disgrace, the majority of the locals want it to be a nice place.

"This year, it's been a scary place... And we have had enough!"

When the resident spotted more fly-tipping last week, he added: “This has to stop. I just cried.. A 60 year old bloke.. I cried.

“When is something going to be done... We've now had a big oil spill.. Someone has been burning toxic waste.. And more arrived.”

The oil spillage the resident refers to (Image: UGC)

Policing priorities

West Yorkshire Police mentioned anti-social behaviour in its policing priorities for the area back in September.

It highlights Kenilworth House - a block of flats opposite St Matthews Primary School.

It reads: "Police motorbikes were deployed repeatedly to target those using motorbikes illegally or anti-socially, and officers patrolled the location routinely, carrying out stop searches where appropriate for drug dealing and use.

"Issues did improve during this period however there have been further recent reports of anti-social behaviour and motorbike usage, so partners have been engaged once again."

It adds: "Several motorbikes have been seized from the roadside, and some recovered following intelligence from the community as to the riders or storage locations.

"We have been in consultation with the council for some time about restricting access to problem locations, and the council have carried out target hardening work, installing gates and bollards in the Meadowbank area.

"This has seen a reduction in motorbikes on the fields and surrounding roads, however there are still intermittent reports of nuisance motorbikes at the location so work will continue."

Furniture was also spotted in the rubbish (Image: UGC)

Full Bradford Council statement

A Bradford Council spokesperson said; “Incidents of fly-tipping are disrespectful of other residents and we take reports of them very seriously.

"Investigations into this fly-tip are ongoing and we would encourage anyone with any information to contact us by calling  01274 431000 or by the “report it” pages on www.bradford.gov.uk

"The council is also working to secure the site against further fly-tipping and anti-social vehicle use.”