Fly-tipping on the rise across Cannock and Stafford amid waste fees
Fly-tipping has increased across Cannock and Stafford after charges at tips were introduced, new figures show.
The county council brought in charges at household waste recycling centres across the county from November 1.
Under the changes, a large bag of soil or rubble costs £3 to discard, plasterboard costs £4 per sheet or large bag and tyres cost £4 each.
In Cannock Chase, the number of incidents of fly-tipping of chargeable waste over November and December increased from 59 the previous year to 70, while in Stafford over the same period, the total jumped from 72 to 90.
Councillor Alan Dudson, vice-chairman of Cannock Chase District Council, said he believed the authority should ask the county council to pick up the cost of clearing up the extra cases.
He said: "It is no surprise to me that figures in our area have gone up, people are still saying to me that they don't think they should have to pay to get rid of rubbish at the tip because they pay their rates already."
Staffordshire County Council's joint waste management board is meeting today to discuss a report on how the charges have affected fly-tipping cases.
Bosses said that figures for the whole of the county show that the amount of chargeable material dumped has decreased, but they will work to prosecute those who continue to dump waste.
Gill Heath, cabinet member for communities and the environment, said: "
Including rogue trade waste, across Staffordshire in November and December 2016 there were 131 incidents of fly-tipping involving material that is now charged for, compared to 147 incidents for the same period in 2015 – before charging was introduced. Sadly, there have always been people who behave anti-socially and we will work with other authorities to have them prosecuted."
Brazen fly-tippers blocked a road by dumping building waste at scenic spot.
Rubble, tarpaulin, wooden pallets and bricks were strewn across Back Lane in Aldridge.
Alistair Paul was walking with his wife Louise when he came across the rubbish.
The waste had been placed in the middle of the track, off Chester Road. Mr Paul, from Little Aston, said: "I was looking for potential evidence in there. It was a disgraceful sight." He added there were other litter problems along nearby Hobs Hole Lane, where the couple also found lager cans littering the walkway on Sunday.
Mr Paul added: "What's quite obvious about Hobs Hole Lane is that there are so many Stella Artois cans there it would seem to be a frequent visitor. It is one brand of beer."
Walsall Council's portfolio holder for Clean and Green, Councillor Chris Jones, said: "We are aware of this incident and, as the fly-tipped waste is blocking the public highway, have made arrangements for its prompt clearance.
"Any fly-tipping is bad, but to dump waste in the middle of the road in such a cavalier fashion beggars belief."
Last year Walsall Council said it spent £120,000 on clearing up fly-tipped waste in just 12 months.
