The unsightly presence of fly-tipped rubbish has once again been spotted in a Blackburn alleyway, leaving residents and local authorities frustrated. The alleyway, located off Stancliffe Street and Hollin Bridge Street in Mill Hill, has become a hotspot for fly-tipping, with dozens of items of waste, including old shoes, bin bags, carpets, nappies, a rolled-up mattress, and other household rubbish, strewn about the area. The situation has been documented on a social media channel, Skankashire Life, which shares incidents of fly-tipping across the county.
The TikTok footage showcasing the alleyway’s state has sparked concern, with one commentator describing it as an “absolute wonderful example of a Blackburn back alley.” Another video highlights a different issue in the area – Dickinson Close, where bin bags have been left uncollected. Residents have previously expressed their concerns about the lack of bins on the street, and it appears that the problem persists.
The situation in Dickenson Close has not gone unnoticed by local authorities, with Blackburn with Darwen Council acknowledging the issue. A councillor, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the problem but praised the majority of residents who take pride in their town and maintain cleanliness. They also acknowledged that the issue was not unique to this area, stating that there are similar spots in every borough where fly-tipping has become a problem.
However, in the case of the alleyway, the responsibility for cleaning lies with the residents, as the land is unadopted. This implies that the alleyway is not a council-maintained area, and therefore, the residents adjacent to it are responsible for its upkeep. Tony Watson, Head of Environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, stated that the council is more than happy to work with residents to facilitate a community clean-up, providing equipment, tools, and the removal of waste items if they are interested.
Watson emphasized that fly-tipping is illegal and will not be tolerated. He went on to say that in the last 10 months, the council has seen a total of £13,440 in fines given to residents through the courts and £4,000 in fixed penalty notices. Residents are encouraged to contact the council confidentially if they witness fly-tipping, with Watson assuring them that their concerns will be taken seriously.
When it comes to Dickinson Close, the council is currently in conversation with Together Housing, the property owners for the area. Watson assured residents that they will be notified as soon as a suitable solution is found. Councillor Shaukat Hussain, who has raised issues of fly-tipping and littering across the borough, stated that the council has been working hard to crack down on people who are throwing rubbish on the streets.
Hussain praised the residents who make an effort to keep their neighbourhoods clean and pick up litter, highlighting the many people who have pride in their town. He commended the volunteers who work tirelessly to clean up areas that have been affected by fly-tipping. Hussain acknowledged that while there are many residents who take pride in their town, there will always be some individuals who will let others down by engaging in illegal activities such as fly-tipping.
He encouraged residents to contact the council if they are aware of any fly-tipping hotspots in their area, stating that the council will provide the necessary equipment and support to help them clean up. Hussain’s comments were welcomed by the council, which has been working to tackle fly-tipping head-on.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has been proactive in addressing the issue of fly-tipping, with Watson stating that the council will continue to prosecute those found guilty of engaging in this activity. The council is urging residents to work together to keep their town clean and to report any instances of fly-tipping to the authorities.
In terms of the alleyway, the council’s willingness to work with residents to organize a community clean-up is a positive step. It is essential that residents take ownership of the issue and work together to clean up the area. The provision of equipment and support by the council will enable residents to take action and ensure that the alleyway is free from fly-tipped rubbish.
The issue of fly-tipping is not unique to Blackburn and Darwen, with many local authorities facing similar challenges. The key to tackling this problem lies in community involvement and a willingness to work together to address the issue. Residents, local authorities, and other stakeholders must unite to prevent fly-tipping and maintain a clean and safe environment.
As the council continues to work with residents to address the issue of fly-tipping, it is essential that they keep the community informed about their efforts. By doing so, they can build trust and ensure that residents are aware of the steps being taken to tackle this problem.
The council’s commitment to tackling fly-tipping and maintaining a clean environment is to be commended. The provision of equipment and support to residents who want to take action is a positive step forward. By working together, it is possible to create a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful town for everyone to enjoy.
As the council and residents work together to address the issue of fly-tipping, it is essential to recognize the efforts of those who have been working tirelessly to clean up affected areas. Their dedication and commitment to keeping their town clean are an inspiration to us all, and their work should be acknowledged and celebrated.
In conclusion, the issue of fly-tipping in Blackburn’s alleyway off Stancliffe Street and Hollin Bridge Street is a serious problem that requires a community-based solution. The council’s willingness to work with residents to facilitate a clean-up is a step in the right direction, and it is essential that residents take ownership of this issue and work together to create a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful town for everyone.