'Young Steptoes' dumping rubbish in Walsall from their horse and cart

They have now called for crisis meetings with police to address the amount of rubbish being dumped across the borough.

Councillor Peter Smith says fly-tippers travelling on horse and cart are becoming a major issue in Blakenall.

He said that they are 'running rings' around the council and residents by getting away with it.

Councillor Smith says that the problem is often caused by younger people and that police have so far failed to act on the matter.

He said: "Much to the annoyance and frustration not only of council officials but local residents, we are having to put up with the anti-social fly-tipping exploits of these modern day Young Steptoes.

"They are also creating a problem for motorists who are often forced to join queues of traffic caused by them.

"There is evidence that some of these people are blatantly fly-tipping their loads of rubbish wherever it suits them.

"I call on the council and the police to work together as a matter of urgency to come down heavy on these anti -social operators, especially their elder peers who are encouraging them.

"This matter has been raised with the police many times but nothing seems to have been done.

"Something has to be done and done now.

"At the moment, the Young Steptoes are running rings around the local residents, the council and above all the police."

The councillor also slammed residents who sell items to the horse and cart users, saying: "These residents are equally to blame for giving business to these people and need to pay the price if identification of their dumped rubbish can be established."

Fly-tipping is set to cost Walsall Council £120,000 this year.

In February, the council approved an alternative budget which opposed an original budget put forward by the current leading party, where street cleaning services would see £150,000 worth of cuts made.

Other councillors in the borough have called for action to be taken after being of the problem in Goscote by councillor Smith.

Councillor Garry Perry, who represents the Pelsall ward, said: "This is appalling — this is not my area however I agree the irresponsible behaviour and a need to target environmental enforcement is a priority."

Council leader Mike Bird said: "We need to get the police to explain themselves.

"This is even more reason to have licence plates on approved ware collectors."