50 skips filled up by Wolverhampton fly-tipping campaigners
A community has waged war against fly-tipping and won, by bringing 50 massive skips into the neighbourhood for a huge clean-up.
Marie Lane, chairman of Rake Gate Tenants and Residents’ Association in Grove, Wolverhampton, spent six months finalising plans to clean up the area where she lives.
With help from Wolverhampton’s Councillor Sue Roberts, she managed to round up thousands of pounds of funding to place 50 skips in the area for just one day in a bid to tackle the problem.
Ms Lane, aged 56, said it was about time something was done about the problem.
“Fly-tipping was really becoming a problem so I applied to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and we received £5,000.
“We also used all the money in the residents association account – we’re skint now.
“It’s so great to see it all clean though, and obviously I hope it stays that way,” she added.
More than 60 volunteers came to help last Friday – the day of the big clear up – and Marie said all 50 skips were completely full by the end of it.
Volunteers, including off-duty police officers, councillors and residents, worked tirelessly from 7am until past 3.30pm when all the skips were full.
Ms Lane added: “I sent out newsletters so everyone knew where the skips were and what was happening.
“And the night before everyone had their rubbish outside ready. It was real community spirit. I’ve had so many people ringing and texting me saying how brilliant it all looks here now,” she added.
People from all across the neighbourhood were allowed to throw their metal, plastic and other items in the skip free of charge, while volunteers also went around clearing up fly-tipped rubbish.
