South Tyneside flytippers face prosecution after leaving documents among dumped rubbish
Fly-tippers who have targeted part of South Tyneside could face prosecution – after leaving named documents in open view.
The rubbish dumpers have used a back lane in Tyne Dock twice in 24-hours to illegally offload trash – and fly-tipped a fresh batch a quarter mile away, off Commercial Road, South Shields.
In the first incident, overnight on Tuesday, they left behind a settee, fridge freezer and household waste in a back lane in Devonshire Street.
Within a day, an unsightly haul, including a DVLA vehicle wheel clamp and scrap metal.
Buts also among the rubbish were household bills and other documents with names and addresses attached.
The tippers struck again overnight on Thursday – targeting wasteland at the junction of riverside Commercial Road and West Holborn.
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In a similar scene, they left plastics, metals, shoes and hard hats – and personal letters with South Tyneside and Newcastle addresses.
They have now been condemned for their part in antisocial behaviour which costs the council more than £2million a year to clear up.
Simonside and Rekendyke independent councillor, Cllr Ken Wood, who uncovered the fly-tipping, slammed those responsible and said he hoped they would feel the full force of the law.
Cllr Wood, who represents South Tyneside Alliance Group, said: “It is disgusting what these people have done. All efforts should be made to bring them to book.
“The mess they are leaving is an unsightly and dangerous hazard and they clearly have no thought for anyone or for their environment.
“The back lane at Devonshire Street was clear one day but the next, I noticed a big pile of rubbish had been dumped.
“That was bad enough, but when I returned to check just 24 hours later, another batch had been left in the same spot.
He added: “Among the mess were council tax statements and other documents of people living in South Tyneside.
“This back lane has been targeted several times. I plan to check if it is possible to install a security camera at this location.”
Cllr Wood added: “To make matters worse, I then found that rubbish had then been dumped at a spot off Commercial Road.
“I’ve taken a good look at what’s in there and among all the trash are household letters and bills, even some with Newcastle addresses.
“Someone is just coming along and dumping this stuff without a care. Whether it’s the same person or people, I just don’t know.
He added: “It’s possible they are telling people that they will legally dispose of their household waste but are instead just dropping by the side of the road.”
People who hire others to dispose of their rubbish are legally responsible to make sure they are licenced to do so and can face prosecution if it turns up dumped illegally.
Cllr Wood added: “There seems to be a lot of evidence there and I hope the council will investigate and prosecute where it can.”
South Tyneside Council confirmed it was aware of incidents at both locations.
Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, said: “Fly‑tipping is an environmental crime that blights our communities and will not be tolerated.
“We are aware of the reports of items and waste abandoned behind Devonshire Street and our teams attended to assess and arrange removal.
“Fly-tipping places a significant burden on council resources, and every incident of fly-tipping diverts vital funds and council staff away from essential community services.
“However, where evidence is found, including personal information, our Environmental Enforcement Officers will investigate and take action wherever possible to identify and hold those responsible to account.
“We are committed to keeping our streets clean and tidy, but we need the public’s help.
“We urge residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and to report any fly‑tipping they witness so that we can continue to take enforcement action and keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
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