Fly-tipped lay by yields tons
Bromsgrove District Council and the National
Trust have cleaned up over two tons of rubbish from a single spot
in an area of outstanding natural beauty during the Love Where You
Live campaign.
After council cleansing staff spotted and
reported a serious problem in a lay by between Rubery and Lydiate
Ash on the A38, a co-ordinated response on April 17 saw council
staff and National Trust volunteers clear away 2.5 tons of fly
tipping and litter - completely filling the refuse vehicle sent to
pick it up.
The lay by falls in an area of outstanding
natural beauty between the Lickey Hills and Waseley Hills.
Bromsgrove District Council waste prevention
officer Pete Brown said: “We were planning the Love Where You Live
litter campaign when colleagues told us they’d spotted a site we
needed to look at. As it turned out, it was so bad it took all day
to clear up. You would not have believed it.”
As well as 85 full black refuse sacks 20
wheels and tyres and other assorted detritus was hauled away.
The council’s portfolio holder for environment
Cllr Michael Webb said: “Littering and fly tipping are criminal,
let alone in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s extremely
encouraging that this issue was reported by people who clearly love
where they live. Thanks to the report we were able to take action
together with the National Trust, but it’s unacceptable that this
action was even required in the first place. The community should
not have to suffer from the unscrupulous actions of a handful of
individuals.”
The Love Where You Live campaign supports
active local community groups and residents who help the district
council by looking after their neighbourhoods. If you or your local
community group would like some Love Where You Live support from
the district council’s waste prevention officers, please contact
Anna Wardell-Hill on 01527 881715.
Above: Some of the
litter pickers from the council and the National Trust take a
well-earned rest.