Farmer calls for 'common sense' in tip dispute

A farmer has said he fears an increase in fly-tipping after a council banned non-residents from using its recycling centres.

Telford and Wrekin Council ended an informal agreement with Shropshire Council on 1 April - meaning those living outside the borough cannot use its tips.

James Chatham is an organic dairy farmer in Brockton, on the Shropshire side of the boundary, and said the two authorities should "use a bit of common sense and go back to how it was before."

A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council said fly-tipping "can only be blamed on the individuals carrying out this crime."

Fly-tipping on Chatham's farm is "on the rise," he said, which is "a bit of a concern."

"We had an armchair just left in the gateway... the other day."

Historically, "all sorts" has been dumped on his land, the farmer said, adding that it is "frustrating because the recycling centre's just up the road."

Chatham added the situation was "a bit ridiculous", with Halesfield recycling centre, which is run by Telford and Wrekin Council, less than a five-minute drive away.

While fly-tipping had "always happened on and off", Chatham explained that he could "see it getting worse" following the end of the agreement between the two councils.

Fly-tipping created extra work for the farm, he added.

"You've got to report it to get it cleared, or if it's on your land you have to clear it yourself," Chatham said.

"It's one of those frustrating, annoying things that we shouldn't have to be dealing with."

A spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council said that use of their recycling centres by people living outside the borough was costing it £200,000 each year.

They added that fly-tipping "can only be blamed on the individuals carrying out this crime."

In a statement, Shropshire Council reiterated that it had not changed policies, meaning Telford residents can still use its tips.

The authority said the two councils would meet "in the next few weeks to discuss a way forward."

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