Crackdown has 'stopped fly-tipping on bridleway'

A crackdown on persistent fly-tipping has stopped it in a rural location, a council has said.

Building materials, cannabis-related items and nitrous oxide canisters were being dumped on a bridleway in Ecton, near Northampton.

North Northamptonshire Council installed a gate to restrict access, which had created a "lasting solution", it said.

The authority said that as part of the initiative it also ordered a landlord to clear up a six-foot (1.8m) pile of household waste behind a block of flats in Wellingborough.

The Reform UK-led council said the bridleway, which links Ecton to Earls Barton, had seen a "complete end to fly-tipping".

It said that between January and March, some 39 fixed penalty notices were issued for fly-tipping.

It also carried out a number of covert operations, removed illegal clothing banks from Wellingborough and dealt with 72 reports of abandoned vehicles.

Councillor Ken Harrington, executive member for waste and environmental services, said: "The case in Ecton is a fantastic example of how targeted action and strong partnerships can deliver real results for our communities.

"The transformation at the site shows that we will not tolerate fly-tipping and are committed to using every tool available - from enforcement and surveillance to prevention measures like gating - to protect our environment.

Martin Griffiths, leader of the council, said: "We are aware that the majority of residents take pride in our wonderful area.

"But sadly, a minority do not and their irresponsible actions cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds each year.

"We remain committed to adopting a zero-tolerance stance and will take action - gathering evidence via tried and tested methods, including surveillance."

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